Unifying the Principles of Learning with and without Brains

International Workshop
7 - 11 July 2025

The concept of learning extends beyond brain-based systems to a broad range of biological and physical phenomena. The learning metaphor cay apply to systems without neurons, such as vasculature networks in slime mold, gene regulatory networks in cells, and complex mechanical systems. Like neuronal and artificial network that learn, such systems acquire functional behaviors through interactions with their environment. These analogies suggest that the principles of learning may be general. By studying these diverse examples, we can broaden our understanding and seek unifying principles of learning, which may impact all fields involved.

We plan an on-site workshop. Talks and posters will exclusively be presented on-site.

• Learning in biological cells
• Developmental plasticity
• Adaptation in tissue and organ
• Learning in artificial and physical networks
• Complex mechanical and chemical systems