The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo

An annual summer course in comp neuro & machine learning. Boosting African neuroscience by @IBROorg and the @SimonsFdn. Now @

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

From Kalman filters to visual illusions! 🌀📉

Yesterday, Cycle 3 director Prof. Xaq Pitkow from Carnegie Mellon Univ took us on a mathematical journey. He discussed how optimal estimation can lead to perceptual biases.

A brilliant, interactive session.🧠

@SimonsFdn @IBROorg

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

Week 3 is underway!🚀

On Mon, we kicked off the final cycle with a fantastic talk by Nyalleng Moorosi from the Distributed AI Research Institute.

She talked about the critical topic of inductive biases in neural networks. A perfect start to the week!🧠📉

@SimonsFdn @IBROorg

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

We concluded Cycle 2 with a bang on Saturday! 💥

Dr. @AthenaAkrami delivered an incredible lecture on Hopfield networks and attractor dynamics. From memory storage and neural attractors to prior experience, it was the perfect end to the week.🧠📉
@SimonsFdn @IBROorg

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

How do we learn? Is it just rewards, or is it something more? 🤔

Yesterday, Prof. Jonathan Shock from UCT took us through a fascinating route to curiosity, sociability, and active inference.

Unpacking the math behind learning and survival 📉🌍

@SimonsFdn @IBROorg

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

Science is more than coding, equations, and experiments. It’s about the people doing the science.🌍🤝

@alfairhall introduced the Gender Discussion taking place tomorrow. Making space for the hard, necessary conversations to build a more inclusive community.

@SimonsFdn @IBROorg

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

A masterclass in communication. 📢

Thank you to our TA Will Dorrell @dorrell_will for guiding us through the art of writing papers and giving talks. These are the skills that turn good research into impactful science.

Thanks, Will! 🙌

@IBROorg @SimonsFdn

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

We just finished a tremendous session led by the amazing Prof. Sara Solla from Northwestern Univ. She took us on a journey through the beauty of neural manifolds and beyond. Finding geometry in high-dimensional data!📉✨

@IBROorg @SimonsFdn @SaraASolla

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting @blaiseaguera CTO of Technology & Society at Google, for a special guest lecture. He unpacked the complex history of intelligence: from biological evolution to artificial systems.
A mind-expanding session for everyone at #Imbizo2026!🇿🇦🧠

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

📉➡️🤖

Yesterday, we dove deep into Generalized Linear & Latent Variable models with Prof. Pillow @jpillowtime from Princeton Univ.

Today, we shifted gears to Neuroengineering with Prof. Felix Deku, Univ. Oregon, exploring Brain-Computer Interfaces.

@SimonsFdn @IBROorg

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

Recharged and ready!🔋

After a massive first week and a well-deserved day off surfing🏄‍♂️ and visiting the penguins🐧, we are back in the classroom.

We are thrilled to kick off Cycle 2 today with @alfairhall as our Academic Director!

@SimonsFdn @IBROorg

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

A massive shoutout to our incredible mentors and TAs! 🙌 They delivered 6 wonderful tutorials. Their energy and dedication make this school special.💻🧠🇿🇦

@spiroschv | @kiradusterwald | @dorrell_will | @isabelmaria_c | Colleen Gillon | @rherzoga

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

Wed and Thu we dived deep into the dopaminergic system with Profs Arif Hamid @arifahamid and Michael Frank.🧠⚡️

Today, we switched gears! Dr Dorit Hockman @DoritHockman from UCT is leading a fascinating session on gene expression in the brain.🧬
@SimonsFdn @IBROorg #imbizo2026

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

Our own Prof. Joseph Raimondo @JosephRaimondo from UCT is talking about ions, membranes, and spikes. Yesterday, Prof. Rachael Dangarembizi @rachaeldangare1 from UCT discussed the brain's anatomy and gave us an inspirational talk on her scientific journey. #imbizo2026

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

This is the moment of the year we’ve been waiting for! 🌍🧠

We are thrilled to welcome you to Noordhoek, Cape Town, for another amazing Imbizo school. Can’t wait to gather, share knowledge, and dive deep into computational neuroscience!

Let the learning begin! 🇿🇦✨ #imbizo2026

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

🎉🚨 Extended Application Deadline! Now July 16, 2025!

If you want to learn about the brain💻🧠in the amazing Noordhoek, Cape Town🇿🇦, apply.

What to Do Next: Finalise and submit applications before the deadline: https://t.co/nwewUO6c6d

Please spread the news. Don’t miss out!

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

The countdown begins! Just 1 week left (July 1) to apply for Imbizo! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience life in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!

More info and apply: https://t.co/uP08V4dHD5
#Imbizo2026 #CompNeuro

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

Want to spend 3 weeks in South Africa🇿🇦for an unforgettable summer school experience? Imbizo 2026 (https://t.co/NLPrB4HJIz) student applications are OPEN! 💻🏄‍♀️ Lectures, new friends, and Noordhoek beach await. Apply by July 1!

🖇️https://t.co/nwewUO6JVL

#Imbizo2026 #CompNeuro

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

🌟Exciting news! Student applications for the #Imbizo 2026 open May 1! Stay tuned for more!🌍🇿🇦

🔗 Details: https://t.co/VTZsOjHtFl

#Africa #CapeTown #CompNeuro

[The Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo @CompNeuroImbizo]

🚀🎉 Big news, folks! As we wrap up our first cycle, we're taking our talents to BlueSky! 🌈✨ Find us soaring high at @ https://t.co/QG4qYaeCpV. Join the fun -let's make the clouds jealous! ☁️😄 #imbizo2025 #IBROSupportedSchool #IBROawardee

[Jorge Mejias @jorgefmejias]

Just gave my lecture at @CompNeuroImbizo summer school today. What an amazing school both in terms of science and social impact --and the place is breathtaking! Now, time to enjoy the summer time with @TheRealDrDukes , @arifahamid, and all the students and tutors 🏖️ #CapeTown