Theoretical Aspects of Neural Computation (TANC-97)

[Dit-Yan Yeung]

                      Preliminary Call for Papers

                                TANC-97

                  Hong Kong International Workshop on
               Theoretical Aspects of Neural Computation:
                    A Multidisciplinary Perspective

                           May 26-28, 1997
             Hong Kong University of Science and Technology



Over the past decade or so, neural computation has emerged as a research
area with active involvement by researchers from a number of different
disciplines, including computer science, engineering, mathematics,
neurobiology, physics, and statistics.  Interdisciplinary collaboration
and exchange of ideas has often led us to address research issues in this
area from different perspectives.  Consequently, some interesting new
paradigms and results have become available to the field and have
contributed significantly to the strengthening of its theoretical
foundations.

This workshop, to be held in the Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology located at the scenic Clear Water Bay, is intended to bring
together researchers from different disciplines to review the current
status of neural computation research.  In particular, theoretical
studies of the following themes will be given special emphasis:

    Neuroscience
    Computational and Mathematical
    Statistical Physics

While the focus of this workshop is on theoretical aspects, the impact of
recent theoretical advances to applications and the novel application of
theoretical results to real-world problems will also be covered.  Moreover,
as an important objective of the workshop, future research directions and
topics that have strong interdisciplinary nature will be explored.

The workshop will feature several keynote presentations and invited papers
by leading researchers in the field:

    Keynote Speakers
    ----------------
    Shun-ichi Amari (RIKEN, Japan)
    Haim Sompolinsky (Hebrew University, Israel)

    Invited Speakers
    ----------------
    Peter Dayan (MIT, USA)
    Aike Guo (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China)
    Ido Kanter (Bar Ilan, Israel)
    Manfred Opper (Wuerzburg, Germany)
    Sara Solla (AT&T Research, USA)
    Lei Xu (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
    (and more to be confirmed)

In addition to keynote and invited papers, there will also be a number of
submitted papers.  All oral and poster presentations will be scheduled in
a single track with no parallel sessions to facilitate interdisciplinary
interaction.  Additional discussion sessions will be arranged.  Moreover,
since campus accommodation will be available to all workshop participants,
there will be plenty of time for informal discussions.


Paper Submission
----------------
All submitted papers will be refereed on the basis of quality, significance,
and clarity by a review panel which includes our invited speakers.  Each
submitted paper written in English may be up to six A4 pages, including
figures and references, in single-spaced one-column format using a font
size of 10 points or larger.

Five copies of the submitted paper should be sent to:

    TANC-97 Secretariat
    Department of Physics
    Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
    Hong Kong
    Fax: +852-2358-1652
    E-mail: tanc97 at usthk.ust.hk
    WWW: http://www.cs.ust.hk/conf/tanc97

In addition to the paper, there should also be a cover letter with the
following information provided:

    (a) contacting author, fax number, postal and e-mail addresses;
    (b) up to eight keywords;
    (c) preference of presentation format (oral or poster).


Important Dates
---------------
Submission of paper (received):		January 15, 1997
Notification of acceptance:		February 28, 1997


Organizing Committee
--------------------
Kwok-Ping Chan (University of Hong Kong)
Lai-Wan Chan (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Irwin King (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Zhaoping Li (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Franklin Shin (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
Michael K.Y. Wong (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) - Chairman
Dit-Yan Yeung (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)


Other Attractions
-----------------
Hong Kong offers a wide variety of sightseeing activities.  It is one of
the most international and interesting cities in the world.  This will
be a great opportunity to visit Hong Kong as the workshop will be held
shortly before Hong Kong becomes a Special Administrative Region of China
starting from July 1, 1997.