Previous seminars

Date: 2024-09-25, 12:00h-13:00h UTC+2 (CEST)

Speaker: Freek Hens, Radboud University and the Australian National University

Title: From continuous biosignals to spike trains: LAST opens the door to the effective training of spiking neural networks on continuous signals

Abstract: 

Can we use the brain’s own language to diagnose chronic lower back pain? In this talk, I’ll present our groundbreaking work applying Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) to classify chronic lower back pain using the EmoPain dataset. This is the first time SNNs have been used for this purpose.

We’ve developed a novel encoding technique called Learning Adaptive Spike Thresholds (LAST) to efficiently convert continuous biosignals into spike trains. Combined with an ensemble of Spiking Recurrent Neural Networks (SRNNs), our approach effectively handles the complexities of multi-stream sEMG and IMU data.

Despite the challenges of limited data and imbalanced classes, we’ve achieved impressive results, outperforming traditional methods and even state-of-the-art deep learning models. Our findings pave the way for energy-efficient, wearable solutions for chronic pain management. Join me to learn more about our innovative approach and its potential impact.

Biography:

Freek Hens holds Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in AI from Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. He is currently pursuing additional studies at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. His research interests span efficient neuromorphic computing, particularly Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing (NLP).

His Master’s thesis focused on developing energy and time-efficient AI models using SNNs, resulting in a cum laude distinction and a forthcoming journal publication. To broaden his AI expertise, he is exploring Computer Vision at ANU. Additionally, Freek gained experience in NLP during an internship centred on large-scale text classification with limited labelled data.

Date: 2024-05-28, 11:00h UTC+2

Speaker: Mohammad (MH) Rahmani, PhD research candidate in Computer Science and Technology at UC3M

Title: A journey to re-embodiment

Abstract:

In this presentation, I will discuss my past, highlighting the relevant experiences and projects that have brought me here today. I will go into parts of my portfolio that showcase my abilities, as well as my thought process and general interests, both historically and moving forward. This will hopefully give you a good picture of what you can expect from me and how I can be helpful in the future.

Biography:

Mohammad (MH) Rahmani is a PhD research candidate in Computer Science and Technology at UC3M, currently focusing on Embodied Perception through Interaction and Sensations.

He was a research fellow at SAIL Lab in University of New Haven focusing on real-time neurofeedback systems, signal processing, and artificial intelligence in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI); as well as developing Text-to-Speech (TTS) models for low-resource languages. With a background in observational astronomy, computer science, and multi-media production, Rahmani holds a Master’s degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) and a BSc in Computer Science. He has professionally worked in R&D roles on LoRa Chirp based IoT consumer devices, safety surveillance systems, and image processing.

Additionally, he has served as the Vice Chair of Tehran ACM SIGGRAPH, and his creative work has been featured in various galleries, hackathons, and festivals. He is an interactive media artist and new media researcher known for immersive spatial mixed reality experiences. His work has been showcased at Archuwum Art Transparent, TADAEX Festival, SIGGRAPH Conference, and SFA Projects.

Date: 2024-05-07, 14:00h UTC+2

Speaker: Miguel A. Vadillo, Associate Professor at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Director of the Cognition, Attention, and Learning Lab (CALL)

Title: Seeing (a pre-registered protocol) is believing

Abstract: 
How much confidence should you put on a particular hypothesis if p < .05? From a rational point of view, the credibility of a scientific finding depends on three parameters: a) the prior likelihood of the hypothesis being true, b) the probability of a significant result if the alternative hypothesis is true, and c) the probability of a significant result if the null hypothesis is true. Unfortunately, (a) is largely subjective. (b) and (c) cannot be properly estimated with the information typically reported in scientific papers, but meta-scientific studies suggest that there are reasons to be pessimistic. Psychological research is often underpowered, which means that (b) is too low, and everything suggests that many significant findings could be the result of questionable research practices, casting doubt on (c). When we read a non-registered study, we can never know if the result is reliable or if the data were simply “tortured until they confessed”. The crucial contribution of pre-registration is that it ensures that the false positive rate is not inflated by questionable research practices or selective reporting. Furthermore, pre-registration forces researchers to plan their sample size based on a formal power analysis, ensuring that (b) is sufficiently large. As a result, in this talk I will defend that it is logical to put more faith in pre-registered studies than in non-registered research. Although non-registered research is not without value, pre-registration is definitely worthwhile.

Biography:
Miguel Vadillo is associate professor at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where he coordinates the Cognition, Attention, and Learning Lab (CALL). He is also the current president of the Spanish Society for Experimental Psychology, member of the ethical review board at UAM, and member of the scientific committee of the National Research Agency. His research is focused on statistical problems in research on implicit learning and other unconscious mental processes and also on meta-analytic methods for the detection of biases in scientific research.
https://mvadillo.com/

Date: April 24th, 2024, 16:00h UTC+2

Speaker: Yeseul Song, Assistant Arts Professor at NYU ITP/IMA (New York University Tisch School of the Arts’ Interactive Telecommunications Program / Interactive Media Arts)

Title: Feeling and Perceiving with New Sensory Languages

Abstract:
Can you trust something that you can’t see? When an object does not have a form but is perceivable, does that object “exist”? How can we collectively perceive something that exists in-between our bodies?

The current technoculture relies heavily on vision, and the dominance has become even stronger with the advent of screen-based digital technologies. On the other hand, our vision is limited—sighted humans can only see a sliver of the whole electromagnetic spectrum (wavelengths from about 390 to 700 nm) and most of the waves around us including radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, and “energy” are completely invisible to the human eye. What are we missing when seeing becomes our foremost sense in how we are perceiving the world

Since 2018, Yeseul Song has been studying the negative space of visual senses and creating artistic non-visual sensory languages that are imaginative and accessible. Based on her research on technology and perception, she has created interactive artwork that inspired people from all over the world. To name a couple, Invisible Sculptures (2018-2021) is a series of sculptures that can be “seen” through senses other than vision. Two Subtle Bodies (2022) is an interactive auditory experience where two strangers experience each other’s peripersonal space through the sound. In this talk, she will share her artistic research in hybrid and alternative ways of feeling and perceiving.

Date: 2024-04-04, 13:00h-15:00h UTC+2 (CEST)

Speaker: Pablo Zamorano, Independent Artist/Researcher

Title: Workshop/Seminar Which words arise from the body as it moves?

Abstract: 

What part of my existence makes up the body I have; Merleau Ponty said in his phenomenology of perception: “I am my body”, removing any idea of mind/body duality from his discourse. But if I am my body, how can I understand that which I myself am?

Through our body and our contact with those around us, we create a particular interpretation of the world, but also of ourselves. Society teaches us how to cognitively perceive ourselves, but it also subjects the sphere of emotions and feelings to a process of subjectivization in this exercise of recognition. So what we feel is also a reflection of a social codification.

Biography: https://pablozamoranoazocar.com/portfolio/posibles-presentes/ (Chile. 36 years old).
Creator, choreographer and performer. I am motivated by approaches that link new contexts between body, emotion and thought, from creative research, theoretical and practical conceptualization in live arts and contemporary choreography. I have a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Dance with postgraduate studies in Master of Arts mention in Theater Direction U de Chile. Master in Scenic Practice and Visual Culture. ARTEA Museo Reina Sofia- UCLM Spain and Lab Master in Contemporary Artistic Practices. UNSAM Arg. Author of texts Un cuerpo Otro and Negro sobre Blanco (“Conversations on interpretation and creation in Dance Vol I and II”) MINCAP. 2017- 2021. Certified in the first level of Alba Emoting (System of recognition of emotion from postural and respiratory effectors). I seek to shape a reflexive work pulsed by concepts of memory, culture, mystery and territories.

References
https://www.emovere.cl/emovere-cuerpo-sonido-y-movimiento-equipo/#danza-y-sonido