The Discoveries CTR

Seminar Series on Interdisciplinary Neuroscience

i3S | Corino de Andrade Auditorium

26th September 2018 | 15:00

The aim of the Interdisciplinary Research Seminar Series is to bring together a wide range of people from across the University of Porto and abroad to gain a deeper understanding of interdisciplinary research in the scope of Neurosciences and how this approach provides a significant contribution towards advancing our understanding of today's pressing global challenges. Invited speakers will explore a topic relating to one or more of our interdisciplinary research groups, always with a focus on neuroscience.

Seminars will take place every 2 months and are free and open to everyone. This series is funded by the Discoveries Center. To provide well-rounded educational opportunities, the topics are presented in interactive learning sessions with the exact format determined by the seminar speaker(s). Formats may include case-based or problem-based learning, team-based learning, standardized patients or another role-playing of clinical scenarios, or small group discussions, etc.

The first seminar will be held on the 26th of September with Michael Arbib, from the University of California, New School of Architecture and Design, USA.

i3S | Corino de Andrade Auditorium | 26^th September 2018

15:00 Computational Challenges of evolving the language-ready brain: From Manual Action to Protosign

Michael Arbib, University of California, New School of Architecture and Design, USA

16:00 Q&A

16:30 Coffee break

Abstract:

Computational modeling of the macaque brain grounds hypotheses on the brain of LCA-m (the last common ancestor of monkey and human). Elaborations thereof provide a brain model for LCA-c (c for chimpanzee). The Mirror System Hypothesis charts further steps via imitation and pantomime to protosign and protolanguage on the path to a "language-ready brain" in Homo sapiens, with the path to speech being indirect. The material poses new challenges for both experimentation and modeling.

Registration is free, but mandatory until 24^th September.

More Information:

Filipa Martins Ribeiro | filipa.ribeiro@i3s.up.pt |  João Relvas | jrelvas@ibmc.up.pt