X Latin American School on Computational Neuroscience – LASCON 2026
January 5-30, 2026
NeuroMat (Antonio Galves building)
Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
The X Latin American School on Computational Neuroscience (LASCON 2026) will be held from January 5 to 30, 2026, at the Antonio Galves Building, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of São Paulo, in São Paulo, Brazil.
Application Deadline: October 11, 2025
Curriculum and Structure
LASCON 2026 offers a comprehensive and immersive four-week program that spans multiple scales of brain modeling, from biophysically detailed single neurons to large-scale neural networks and theoretical frameworks of brain function and dysfunction. Participants will explore cutting-edge topics including extracellular field modeling, synaptic and structural plasticity, brain disease and brain state modeling, artificial intelligence, criticality in brain dynamics, consciousness, and brain–machine interface.
The daily schedule balances morning lectures on theory with afternoon hands-on tutorials using leading simulation tools (NEURON, NEST, NetPyNE), followed by evening exercises and group project work. The school culminates in student presentations of research projects developed during the course.
Faculty and Philosophy
The faculty includes an international team of world-renowned researchers in computational neuroscience. Staying true to its mission of promoting excellence without financial barriers, LASCON does not charge tuition fees.
LASCON 2026 is open to applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including physics, biology, mathematics, computer science, medicine, engineering, psychology, philosophy, cognitive science, and more. While most accepted students will come from Latin America, the school also welcomes participants from other regions of the world.
Application and Selection
Applications must be submitted electronically through the application form, accompanied by:
- A detailed CV in English
- Two letters of recommendation
Enrollment is limited to 60 students, with selection based on academic background and submitted materials. Applicants should be fluent in English (written and spoken), have solid training in life and/or physical sciences, and preferably some programming experience.
Financial Support
The participation of the lecturers in the school is partially supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat), and the Vice-Rectorate for Research and Innovation of the University of São Paulo (PRPI-USP).
The participation of Latin American students residing outside the Greater São Paulo area is partially supported by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO).
Student Projects
The LASCON students, working in groups of three students, must develop small research projects during the school and present them on the final day.
- In the second week, students will meet with organizers and faculty to select project themes.
- Working in pairs, they will develop these projects in parallel with lectures and tutorials.
- Preliminary results will be presented in an assessment session at the beginning of the final week.
- After incorporating feedback from lecturers and peers, students will deliver their final presentations on the last day of the school.
Computers
Selected students must bring their own laptops with the required software pre-installed. A detailed list of programs and versions will be provided in advance.
LASCON 2026 is an activity of the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (RIDC NeuroMat), funded by FAPESP.
Organizer
Antonio C. Roque (University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil)
Co-organizers
Aline Duarte (University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
Ariadne Costa (Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil)
Bóris Marin (Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil)
Cristiane O. R. Salum (Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil)
Fernanda Matias (Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil)
Maurício Girardi-Schappo (Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil)
Rodrigo F. O. Pena (Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA)
Local Organizers
Arthur H. D. Rodrigues (University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
Lourdes Neto (University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
Matheus A. Teixeira (University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
Scientific Committee
Adriano Tort (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil)
Antonio C. Roque (University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil)
Ariadne Costa (Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil)
Arnd Roth (University College London, London, UK)
Bóris Marin (Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil)
Cristiane O. R. Salum (Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil)
Demian Battaglia (University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France)
Fernanda Matias (Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil)
Florencia Leonardi (University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
Horacio Rotstein (New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA)
Marcelo Reyes (Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil)
Markus Diesmann (Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany)
Maurício Girardi-Schappo (Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil)
Rodrigo F. O. Pena (Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA)
Sacha van Albada (Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany)
Volker Steuber (University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK)
William Lytton (State University of New York, New York, NY, USA)