BrainWorlds is an interdisciplinary research initiative aiming at a better understanding of internal world models for humans, animals, and artificial systems in reaction to a changing environment. These models are crucial for planning and predicting events and are constantly updated through sensory information, experiences, and emotions. However, they are not exact representations but abstract constructs tied to the nervous system’s components. Incorrectly constructed models can lead to neuropsychiatric issues and dysfunctional AI systems.

The workshop is part of our interdisciplinary BrainWorlds Research Initiative which aims at a better understanding of internal world models for humans, animals, and artificial systems in reaction to a changing environment. These models are crucial for planning and predicting events and are constantly updated through sensory information, experiences, and emotions. However, they are not exact representations but abstract constructs tied to the nervous system’s components. Incorrectly constructed models can lead to  complex neuro-psychiatric conditions and dysfunctional AI systems.

The objective of the BrainWorlds Research Initiative is to gain integrated mechanistic insights into internal world models in biological and artificial individuals – from deep networks to autonomous robots – thus enabling the development of next-generation AI and AI-based neuromodulation in personalized medicine. During our conference we will discuss questions like: “What is a good representation/internal world model?”, “What do we know already about the formation, maintenance and adaptation of representations and internal world models?”, “What is a maladapted representation/internal world model?”

Program

Breakout Session 1 (Room 42) – upon invitation

Moderator: Anil Ananthaswamy

Breakout Session 2 (Nexus Lab) – for all workshop participants

Moderators: Veronika Lipphardt, Sabrina Livanec

How do scientists bridge the gap between data and interpretation? What plays into decision making in research? Reflecting upon science is (or should be) part of any research endeavour in any discipline. It can be done more or less systematically, but anyway it helps researchers to take a step back, view their work from a different angle or from a distance, so that pitfalls become visible early on. Even more so if it proceeds in dialogue with others. We invite you to discuss with us the importance of science reflection as an integral part of BrainWorlds and how scientists at all career levels benefit from it.

Moderators: Nicole Rosskothen-Kuhl, Julia Veit

How can BrainWorlds better address the needs of the next generation of scientists? In an interactive exchange, we would like to discuss our measures with you and learn from you where there might still be a need to catch up. It is especially important to us to keep in mind the diversity of our consortium of scientists and to make it as colorful as possible through innovative funding measures. Only by taking in as many different perspectives as possible can we successfully answer our research questions together. Join us for an inspiring exchange of ideas and help shape the future of science!

Science Reflection

How do scientists bridge the gap between data and interpretation? What plays into decision making in research? Reflecting upon science is (or should be) part of any research endeavour in any discipline. It can be done more or less systematically, but any way it helps researchers to take a step back, view their work from a different angle or from a distance, so that pitfalls become visible early on. Even more so if it proceeds in dialogue with others. We invite you to discuss with us the importance of science reflection as an integral part of BrainWorlds and how scientists at all career levels benefit from it.

Early Career

Agenda

BrainWorlds is committed to providing the best possible support for early-career scientists. This includes preparing the future leaders in research for engaging with society and ethical reflection on their own scientific work. As part of our workshop, we have scheduled two dedicated sessions for this purpose. However, we emphatically encourage experienced researchers to participate and enrich the discussions with their expertise.

Empowering Early Career Researchers: We recognize the immense potential of early career researchers and are committed to nurturing their growth. Our comprehensive support system equips them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to flourish, enabling them to chart their own path towards becoming independent, impactful scholars.

Join us on this exciting journey of knowledge creation, diversity celebration, and researcher empowerment. Together, we aspire to create a brighter future for academia, where excellence knows no boundaries, and everyone has the chance to shine and contribute.

Child Care

The University of Freiburg offers child care during events which is organized by The Family Service.

Please contact the workshop organizers if you a need child care during the workshop and we will help you to find a solution.