NOW: Nature-Neurotechnology, Olfactory, Wellbeing - AI, Healthy Aging, Sleep, Music and Dementia Prevention -

May 10 ~ 11, 2025, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland

General Chairs

Workshop Scope:

This workshop will explore the multifaceted intersection of technology, neuroscience, and aging, with a focus on promoting healthy aging and mitigating age-related neurodegenerative conditions. The discussions will span cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, its applications in healthcare, and innovative approaches to understanding and influencing brain health. Key areas of focus include:

May 10, 2025: AI AND HEALTHY AGING

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Abstract:  Symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices, in particular covariance matrices, play important roles in many areas of mathematics and statistics, with numerous applications in various different fields,  including machine learning, computer vision, brain imaging, and brain computer interfaces. The set of SPD matrices possesses rich geometrical structures, which have been extensively studied mathematically and exploited practically. In this talk, we will present an overview of the Riemannian geometrical structures of SPD matrices that are commonly used in practice. These include in particular Fisher-Rao geometry (affine-invariant metric) from Information Geometry and Wasserstein geometry from Optimal Transport. The theoretical formulations will be illustrated by examples of their practical applications.

Bio: Dr. Minh Ha Quang current research interests focus on machine learning and statistical methodologies using theories and techniques from functional analysis and related mathematical fields. In particular, He  has  been working on theories and methods involving reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS), Riemannian geometry, matrix and operator theory, information geometry, and optimal transport, especially in the infinite-dimensional setting.  received his PhD in mathematics from Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) and wrote a dissertation under the supervision of Stephen Smale. Before joining RIKEN, Dr Minh  was a researcher at the Pattern Analysis and Computer Vision group at the Italian Institute of Technology (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia) in Genoa (Genova), Italy. Prior to Italy, I was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna, Austria, and the Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.

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May 11, 2025: MULTIMODAL APPROACHES IN DEMENTIA PREVENTION

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Abstract: Composer Jarosław Kapuściński specializes in creating interactive audiovisual works that are primarily meant to engage audiences in art contexts but they also have the potential to enhance well-being and support healthy aging. His compositions often involve musicians, particularly pianists, who control visual content, or more recently, general audiences who can explore and create within immersive VR environments. This unique interplay of music, visuals, and audience participation may foster cognitive stimulation and emotional engagement—key elements in promoting overall well-being. In this presentation, Kapuściński will discuss his work, highlighting his recent VR collaboration with the OpenEndedGroup, Point Line Piano, a project that reimagines the composition, performance, and reception of piano music. Participants engage with the work by drawing lines in 3D space, which trigger musical notes and create immersive audiovisual landscapes. This allows for a full-body experience of creativity and playfulness. The project's interactive nature offers possibilities for applications in workshops, therapy, and community engagement.

Info and trailer: https://www.jaroslawkapuscinski.com/works/point-line-piano/

Bio: Jarosław Kapuściński is an Associate Professor of Music at Stanford University, where he is affiliated also with the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. His research focuses on intermedia composition, performance, and Japanese traditional aesthetics. Kapuściński has received grants and commissions from numerous international organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Governor General of Canada, and Institut National de l’Audiovisuel (INA) in France. His works have been awarded prizes at festivals in Canada, France, Switzerland, and the United States, and have been presented at venues such as New York MOMA, Spoleto USA, EMPAC NY, Logan Center in Chicago, ZKM in Karlsruhe, Reina Sophia Museum in Madrid, Media Biennale Wroclaw, Warsaw Autumn Festival, Creative Media Center in Hong Kong, Benz Arena in Shanghai, and National Art Centre in Ottawa.  In addition to his artistic work, Kapuściński has collaborated on scholarly websites about Japanese Gagaku music (gagaku.stanford.edu) and Noh Theater (noh.stanford.edu).  https://jaroslawkapuscinski.com/

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Abstract: This talk will discuss the use of passive brain-computer interface (pBCI) for assessing brain health and detecting neurodegenerative processes. It will focus on a methodology using path signatures and Riemannian geometry to analyze noisy EEG data, targeting MCI, and present preliminary results that demonstrate the potential for creating digital biomarkers.

Bio: Dr. Tomasz M. Rutkowski's career is marked by a passion for understanding the brain and developing cutting-edge technologies to improve human health.  After earning his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Wroclaw University of Technology, he held research positions at Kyoto University and RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan.  His drive to translate research into practical applications led him to a role at an AI startup in Tokyo.  Currently, he is a research scientist at the RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP) and a research fellow at The University of Tokyo and Nicolaus Copernicus University.  Dr. Rutkowski's research focuses on brain-computer interfacing (BCI), computational modeling of evoked brain processes and awareness, and the application of AI for elucidating dementia biomarkers. His achievements include The BCI Annual Research Award in 2014 and a First Degree Scientific Award from Nicolaus Copernicus University in 2024.  He is also dedicated to promoting diversity in science as a jury member for the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Prize for Young Female Scientists in Japan.  A senior IEEE member, his work is detailed at http://tomek.bci-lab.info/.

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Abstract: The auditory brain-computer interface (BCI) has the advantage of not occupying the visual field and being suitable for everyday use. However, its performance is generally lower than that of visual BCIs. In this talk, an auditory BCI (ASME-BCI) is introduced, which detects the user’s selective attention to multiple auditory streams by leveraging the perceptual processing, known as auditory stream segregation. In addition, recent research on an auditory BCI speller utilizing the ASME paradigm is also presented.

Bio: Dr. Simon Kojima is a postdoctoral researcher at the INRIA Centre at the University of Bordeaux, France. His research interests lie in brain-computer interfaces (BCI), neural engineering, neuroscience, and machine learning. He received his Ph.D. from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Tokyo, Japan, under the supervision of Prof. Shin’ichiro Kanoh. His doctoral research focused on developing auditory BCI systems by leveraging auditory scene analysis and exploring how complex sound environments can enhance BCI performance. Before joining INRIA, he conducted research as an intern at the RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP) in Tokyo and as a visiting researcher at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour at Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

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Organizing Committee 

Co-chair PL: Dr. Tomasz Komendziński, Department of Cognitive Science, Institute of Information and Communication Research, Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU), Toruń, Poland

Co-chair JP: Dr. Tomasz M. Rutkowski, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (RIKEN AIP), Tokyo, Japan

OC Members: