Workshop on the Computational Properties of the Prefrontal Cortex
Goal
The goal of this meeting is to bring together interested parties to discuss the types of neural computations performed by prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurons and networks. The workshop will focus on such question as: What is it that PFC neurons encode? How do they encode it? How is that information transformed? What are the encoding schemes?
Approach
Given the rapid pace of development within the fields of PFC electrophysiology and modeling, we feel the time is ripe to bring together those researchers pursuing the question of PFC computation in a dedicated conference. A small, focused conference is important to increase communication within our sub-field. The hope is to facilitate the exchange of ideas between researchers studying different aspects of PFC function. It will involve discussions about reciprocal insights gained through experimental and theoretical approaches in a number of topic areas. Our hope is that this conference will point to novel research directions and foster new collaborations.
Of equal importance in planning the conference is the inclusion of trainees. Each of the invited labs will be encouraged to bring their postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
Organization
Perhaps the best way to accomplish these goals is to focus the workshop on informal group discussions emphasizing the exchange of ideas. Days will be divided into sessions that focus on a particular question or topic. Rather than inviting attendees to speak on a particular topic, we would ask each of you to sign up to speak on one of the topics listed below (or to suggest additional topics!). Each panelist would then give a short talk that would be followed by ample time for discussion.
Please choose a topic group you would like to be part of and let us know via e-mail (david.euston@gmail.com or seamans@interchange.ubc.ca).
Changes from the original schedule
We’ve had a great response so far and as a result we decided to add an extra morning session on sunday.
Based on the feedback from participants, we have expanded or deleted the original Topics. The original Topics #3-5 (How fixed versus flexible is encoding by PFC neurons?, What are the best ways to deal with ensemble data?, Are the rat and primate PFC really the same or different?) will be dropped due to a relative lack of interest. It was also suggested we add an additional Topic on interactions of the PFC with other brain regions (see below). The new Topics are:
Topic 1: What information is encoded by PFC neurons?
This session will focus on the responses of PFC neurons on a variety of tasks in hopes of arriving at some general principles about the types of information PFC neurons encode (working memory, body position, rules, attention, rewards etc).
Given feedback from participants, we have decided to expand this topic. It will now be divided into three sub-sessions that focus on the dorsolateral PFC, the anterior cingulate cortex and the rat PFC respectively.
Topic 2: What types of encoding schemes are employed by PFC neurons?
This session will focus more on how PFC neurons encode information rather than on the types of information encoded and processed. For instance, how much information is provided by single neurons versus the network, is the encoding sparse or distributed, is most of the information encoded in firing rates, in precise spiking patterns, or in correlations among neurons, does persistent activity have a specific computational function, what is the role of oscillations, phase-locking, or temporal patterns in PFC coding?
Topic 3: Neuroeconomics, decision-making and the PFC.
This session will discuss how PFC neurons are involved in the decision making process and how neuroeconomics might be brought to bear on this issue.
Topic 4: Genetic and modulatory control
This session will discuss how PFC dynamics are affected by different genotypes and neuromodulators, and what the function of this genetic and neuromodulatory control is.
Topic 5: Interactions with other brain regions
This session will focus how PFC neurons are influenced by inputs from other brain regions and/or how the PFC modulates activity elsewhere in the brain.
Location
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The conference will be held at the Fairmont hotel at the base of Whistler/Blackcomb mountains in British Columbia. This area has gained a reputation as being the number one ski resort in North America and the site of the 2010 winter Olympic games. But there is much more to Whistler than just skiing. A late summer/fall date was chosen for the meeting because of the multitude of other outdoor opportunities. These include, alpine sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, walking or running, golfing, four wheeling, bear viewing tours, kayaking and rafting, bungee jumping and zip-lining, rock-climbing as well as great shopping and dinning in the many restaurants and shops in the village. There is also a great kids adventure zone at the base of Blackcomb next to the conference hotel for those of you who would like to bring you families. We have organized the meeting to ensure plenty of free time during the day to partake in these activities.
Please use the link above for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler to book your reservations at a special meeting rate.
Date
Sep 10-12, 2010
Other Important Information:
Transportation to and from the conference
Additional Details
Further details will be forthcoming, or feel free to contact:
David Euston, University of Lethbridge (david.euston@gmail.com)
Jeremy Seamans, University of British Columbia (seamans@interchange.ubc.ca)
Mark Laubach, Yale University (mark.laubach@yale.edu)
