Beyond Neuro-computationalism: the philosophy and science of biological brains
Beyond Neuro-Computationalism: The philosophy and science of biological brains
Antwerp, 4-5 June 2026 (In-person only)
REGISTER HERE Full registration details below
Where: Antwerp, Belgium
Venues:
Manresazaal, Congreszalen UCSIA-huis, Koningsstraat 2-4, Antwerpen 2000 (first day)
Gebouw S, Lange Sint-Annastraat, 7, Antwerpen 2000 (second day)
When: 4th and 5th of June, 09:00 - 18:00
Keynote Talks
Brains beyond computers
Romain Brette | Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics
Evidencing biological mechanisms
Mazviita Chirimuuta | University of Edinburgh
Gradients and Loops
Alicia Juarrero | University of Miami
What is cognition? A view from Biological Autonomy Theory
Matteo Mossio | CNRS Paris
Generative processes in artificial and biological systems
Kate Nave | University of Edinburgh
How does light get into Muscle?
Vicente Raja | University of Murcia
Full Program
Day 1
4th June 2026
VENUE: Manresazaal, Congreszalen UCSIA-huis, Koningsstraat 2-4, Antwerpen 2000
9:00 - 9:15 Registration
9:15 - 9:30 Introduction by Marco Facchin & Farid Zahnoun
9:30-10:30 Keynote talk - Brains beyond computers
Romain Brette | Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics
10:30-11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 - 12:00 Keynote talk - Generative processes in artificial and biological systems
Kate Nave | University of Edinburgh
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (not covered)
13:00-13:30 Contributed talk - Beyond Neural Computation: Ephaptic Coupling, Medium-Dependence, and Unconventional Computation
Max Jones | University of Bristol
13:30-14:00 Contributed talk - On why a didactic approach to computational models in cognitive science is needed to move beyond neuro-computationalism
Gerda Mittag | TU Berlin
14:00 - 14:30 Coffee Break
14:30-15:00 Invited talk - From Prediction to Anticipation
Farid Zahnoun | University of Antwerp
15:00 - 15:30 Contributed Talk - Information beyond functionalism: the patchwork structure of information theory in neuroscience
Wiktor Rorot | University of Warsaw
15:30 - 15:45 Short Pause
15:45 - 16:15 Invited talk - Path-dependent minds
Erik Myin | University of Antwerp
16:15 - 16:45 Contributed Talk - Dynamical physiology constraints fuel novel neurocognitive modes: the case of self-regulatory development
Anastasia Christakou | University of Reading
16:45 – 17:45 Keynote talk - Gradients and Loops
Alicia Juarrero | University of Miami
17:45 - 19:00 Informal Reception
Day 2
5th June 2026
VENUE: Gebouw S, Lange Sint-Annastraat, 7, Antwerpen 2000
9:00 - 10:00 Keynote talk - How does light get into Muscle?
Vicente Raja | University of Murcia
10:00 - 10:30 Coffee Break
10:30-11:30 Keynote Talk - Translational neuroscience: Dynamical systems to the rescue?
Mazviita Chirimuuta | University of Edinburgh
11:30 - 12:00 Contributed Talk - Models of explanation for autopoietic enactivism
Jimena Clavel | Tilburg University
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (not covered)
13:00 - 13:30 Contributed Talk - The Brain is a Semantic Engine
Kevin Mitchell & Henry Potter | Trinity College Dublin & University of Notre Dame
13:30-14:00 Contributed Talk - Metabolism and the Medium of Cognition
David Colaço | LMU Munich
14:00 - 14:30 Coffee Break
14:30 - 15:00 Invited talk - Embodiment and the Treachery of Protean Brains
Marco Facchin | University of Antwerp
15:00 - 15:30 Contributed Talk - Rethinking Biological Control: Heterarchy in Brain Networks
Andrea Gambarotto | University of Luxemburg
15:30 - 16:00 Contributed Talk - Neural architecture and the emergence of representational organization
Anastasia Garbayo - University of Valencia
16:00 - 16:30 Pause
16:30 - 17:30 Keynote Talk - What is cognition? A view from Biological Autonomy Theory
Matteo Mossio | CNRS Paris
Registration: Seats are limited, and registration is required. To register, please fill in this form.
Registration fee: a 50€ registration fee is required. To pay it, please transfer 50€ to BE42735008862754 with reference SC250071 - Last Name - First Name.
For more information, send an email to Marco.Facchin@uantwerpen.be