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Overview
The theme of ICAN 2020 focuses on merging advancements in understanding the computational skills of the brain. Among these are the development of mathematical algorithms that translate computational parameters into the language of machines and the availability of high density and throughput data capture analysis schemes into the creation of human-like robotic learning and intelligence.
Dean's Welcome Message
The College of Health and Life Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University is pleased to serve as host of ICAN 2020, a stellar conference with highly recognized international participants. This year’s conference theme “Human Brain-Inspired Robotics” integrates rapidly developing knowledge across the fields of AI, neurotechnology and neuroscience.
The conference is unique in building academic and research partnerships, not only among neuroscientists and engineers, but across well-known research centers at New York University, the University of Michigan, the University of Freiburg, the Korean Institute of Science and Technology, University College London, the University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Hamburg.
We are pleased to provide a platform facilitating the exchange of knowledge and invite those interested to participate and share their contributions and insights.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Dr. Edward Stuenkel
Dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Chair's Welcome Message
We have the pleasure of inviting you to the 5th International Conference for Advanced Neurotechnology (ICAN), which will be held at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Qatar from March 2-3, 2020.
The College of Health and Life Sciences at HBKU is pleased to extend the international presence of this conference to Qatar. ICAN was originally developed as part of a National Science Foundation grant that supports the partnership of several international academic and research institutes to advance the development and application of neurotechnology to understand the functioning of the human brain. Since its inception, ICAN meetings have been held successfully in Germany, South Korea, as well as the United States.
This year’s ICAN meeting addresses a critical area for the future of societies interacting with and benefitting from “Human Brain-Inspired Robotics.” The two day program covers issues ranging from AI, deep learning, brain-machine interfaces, artificial vision, and building intelligent robots reflecting the operation of human brains. The program will showcase progress and discoveries with these new technologies that are developing novel sensors of neuronal activity and effective actuators for closed-loop brain control guiding novel windows on the brain.
The conference is expected to engage participants from across the technological, scientific and industrial disciplines from local and international institutes and sectors. ICAN includes internationally recognized plenary keynote speakers, an interactive panel discussion, and sessions of focused research talks within the field of AI, neurotechnology, and neuroscience. The conference provides a forum for the exchange of technical information along with prospectives on the development of robotics that reflect cognitive processes aligned to human intelligence. The program also includes an interactive poster session, a celebratory dinner, and a social event introducing participants to the unique cultural tapestry and other spectacular enjoyments of Qatar.
We are striving to make ICAN a provocative, informative and enjoyable conference, and we look forward to welcoming you in Qatar.
György Buzsáki & Euisik Yoon
Co-Chairs
Organizers
About ICAN2020
ICAN2020: Human Brain-Inspired Robotics
The theme of ICAN 2020 focuses on merging advancements in understanding the computational skills of the brain. Among these are the development of mathematical algorithms that translate computational parameters into the language of machines and the availability of high density and throughput data capture analysis schemes into the creation of human-like robotic learning and intelligence.
Humanoid robots have been envisioned for centuries, spanning from China’s Zhou Dynasty to Leonardo da Vinci, to now being replete in literature, art and the media today. At the center of the ascent of robotics is the development of human brain-inspired intelligent devices based on silicon-based electronics with circuitry driven toward the creation of fully cognitive silicon brains.
The annual conference gathers engineers and neuroscientists to review recent technological and philosophical advancements in neurotechnology, big data analytics and neuroscience. The focus is to define the direction of the field in the development and application of next-generation tools to advance neuroscience and enhance the translation of technology to the science community.
About Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to continue fulfilling QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. HBKU is a homegrown research and graduate studies University that acts as a catalyst for positive transformation in Qatar and the region while having a global impact.
Located within Education City, HBKU seeks to provide unparalleled opportunities where inquiry and discovery are integral to teaching and learning at all levels utilizing a multidisciplinary approach across all focus areas.
HBKU is committed to actively contribute to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 by building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience and an innovative research ecosystem. Through applying creativity to knowledge, students will have the opportunity to discover innovative solutions that are locally relevant and have a global impact.
At Hamad Bin Khalifa University – our students, faculty, staff, partners, and leadership – all share a common belief in the power of higher education and research to make a positive impact in the development of nations.
More information at www.hbku.edu.qa
About Education City
Our flagship initiative is a campus of more than 12 square kilometers that hosts branch campuses of some of the world's leading educational institutes, a homegrown university, and other research, scholastic, and community centers. Together, these institutes make Education City a unique model of academic and research excellence, pioneering a new approach to multidisciplinary, global education and enabling breakthroughs that benefit Qatar and the rest of the world.
Total Students across our universities and schools: 8,000+
Universities located in Education City: 9
Schools as part of our Pre-University Education network: 11
More information at https://www.qf.org.qa/education/education-city
About Qatar
Qatar has been an independent sovereign state since 1971. Qatar comprises an 11,500 sq. km peninsula extending northwards into the Arabian Gulf. It has 563 km of uninterrupted coastline. The country’s population stands at 2.69 million and its capital city is Doha.
Local time is GMT/UCT + 3 hours. There are no daylight savings adjustments.
Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, very hot summers and mild winters. Mean monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 36°C in July, sometimes reaching highs of 40°C+ during the summer. Rain is infrequent, falling in brief showers mainly in winter.
Capital: Doha
Population: 2.6 million
Area: 11,500 sq. km
Language: Arabic
Religion: Islam
Currency: Riyal
Power Connection: The power plugs and sockets are of type D and G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
More information at https://www.visitqatar.qa
Visa Information
Visa Information
Nationals of more than 80 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar, with varying lengths of stays allowed. Nationals of these eligible countries do not require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver on arrival to Qatar, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
More details are available at https://portal.moi.gov.qa/qatarvisas/
Note: In addition to the required documents listed on the Qatar visa website, please carry the official invitation letter/email copy and hotel reservation with you for the immigration purposes.
Consent to use photographic, video and audio recordings
During the symposium, official photographers will be taking photographs, recording videos, or making audio recordings. The photographs, videos, and audio recordings will be used for symposium-related news and events including: promotional material, in both print and electronic format, on the Internet via HBKU and QF websites, and on social media.
Accommodation and Transportation
Accommodation option-1:
Alwadi Hotel
Within the MDD Musheireb Down Town City, Corner of Wadi Musheireb & Jassim Bin Mohammed Street Doha, Qatar
Website:
www.alwadihoteldoha.com
Contact:
Tel: +974 4009 9999
Email: H8395-re2@accor.com
Location:
Location
Bus service will be provided from the hotel to the venue.
Doha Metro green line to Qatar National Library.
Highlights:
- Located within Musheireb Down Town next to Souq Waqif
- 15 km to Qatar National Convention Centre
- 15 km to Qatar Foundation
- 20 km to Mall of Qatar
Accommodation option-2:
The Campus – Education City Guest Residence
The Campus - Education City Guest Residence, a short-term accommodation facility situated within the state-of-the-art, LEED Platinum student housing complex of Qatar Foundation (QF).
Website:
www.qf.org.qa/community/the-campus-education-city-guest-residence
Contact:
The Campus – Education City Guest Residence
Student Housing & Residence Life
Tel: +974 - 4023 7023 , +974 - 4023 7024
Email: thecampus@qf.org.qa
Location:
The Campus - Education City Guest Residence is located in SouthNest of Education City near the symposium venue, and our guests are housed in Amanah Hall. In addition to guest rooms and accommodation facilities, conference halls, communal areas, and prayer rooms are also available.
Location
Shuttle bus service will be available from the hotel to symposium venue.
Highlights:
- Closest and most cost-effective accommodation to the symposium venue. Approximately 500 meters away.
- Situated in a LEED Platinum facility following high sustainability standards.
- Dining facility, which offers a range of food options from breakfast to dinner.
- Our self- service laundry facilities are available on the second floor of Amanah Hall.
- Touch-ups in all guest rooms daily.
- The complimentary shuttle bus provided by QF Transport Department is available every 15 minutes on weekdays starting from 6:15am to 6pm, and every hour after 6pm until midnight.
Accommodation option-3:
Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel
Behind Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), Doha, Qatar
Website:
https://global.premierinn.com/en
Contact:
Tel: +974 4007 8333
Fax: +974 4006 3330
Email: reservations.dec@mena.premierinn.com
Location:
https://g.page/premier-inn-doha-education-city?share
Shuttle bus service will be available from the hotel to symposium venue.
Highlights:
- Located within Education City
- 1 km to Qatar National Convention Centre
- 5 km to Qatar Foundation
- 10 km to Mall of Qatar
Accommodation option-4:
Al-Rayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton
Mall of Qatar P.O. Box 23325,
Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
Contact:
Tel: +974-44899000
Fax: +974-44899599
Email: alrayyan.reservations@hilton.com
Location:
https://g.page/AlRayyanDohaCurio?share
Highlights:
- Attached to the Mall of Qatar; near convention center and must-see attractions
- 201 spacious and stylish guest rooms, including 25 specialty suites
- Various dining options, including rooftop restaurant and 24-hour room service
- Three outdoor temperature-controlled pools for adults, kids and relaxation
- Top-floor wellness areas.
Accommodation option-5:
DoubleTree by Hilton, Doha Old Town
Meena Street, Old Salata P.O. Box 20993 - Doha – Qatar
Website:
dohaoldtown.doubletree.com
Contact:
Tel: +974 4034 3333
Fax: +974 4034 3000
Reservations: dohaoldtown_reservations@hilton.com
Contact Person: William Decimoterzo
Direct: +974 4034 3569
Mob: +974 5033 7196
Email: william.decimoterzo@hilton.com
Location:
https://g.page/doubletreedohaoldtown?share
Highlights:
- A modern hotel located near the banking district, restaurants, shops, and the Corniche
- Near to the National Museum of Qatar, The Museum of Islamic Art, and Souq Waqif
- 10 minutes from Hamad International Airport
- Guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary Wi-Fi
- All day dining restaurant
- Complimentary fitness center and covered rooftop swimming pool
Transportation
Karwa is the national taxi and limousine service. To book a taxi call +974 800 8294,
UBER taxi service is also active in Qatar.
The Doha Metro: a mostly underground rail network which connects communities within Doha and its suburbs.
For journey planner click here.
For route map click here.
You can use your international driving license for seven consecutive days.
Currency Exchange
Minor Unit: 1/100 = Dirham
- 1.00 EUR = 4.05 QAR
- 1.00 USD = 3.64 QAR
- 1.00 GBP = 4.42 QAR
More information at https://www.visitqatar.qa
Organizers
ICAN Principals
Euisik Yoon
University of Michigan, USA
Gyorgy Buzsaki
New York University, USA
Organizing Committee
Edward Stuenkel
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar
Gregory Quirk
University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Ileana Hanganu-Opatz
University of Hamburg, Germany
Il-Joo Cho
Korea Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea
Karel Svoboda
Janelia Farms, USA
Kenneth Harris
University College London, United kingdom
Paul Oliver
University of Freiburg, Germany
Patrick Ruther
University of Freiburg, Germany
Uhtaek Oh
Korea Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea
Administration
Elissa Trumbull
University of Michigan, USA
Mallika Jaiswal
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar