LASCON 2026 offers an intensive four-week training program designed for graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and early-career researchers interested in applying computational and mathematical methods to the study of neurons and neural networks. 

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 4, 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 40 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

Depending on funds provided by IBRO, the organization will offer partial or full free accommodation during LASCON 2026. Travel expenses, however, are not covered, and students are encouraged to seek support from national or international funding agencies.

Student Projects

The LASCON students, working in pairs, 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.