Gonzalo Urcelay
@gurcelay.bsky.social
Assistant Professor at University of Nottingham, interested in learning and memory.
Pinned
Gonzalo Urcelay
@gurcelay.bsky.social
· Aug 13
Job Alert!!! We are looking for a motivated postdoc to join a 3-year BBSRC funded project led by my colleague Carl Stevenson (I’m coPI). This multi-disciplinary project will combine in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics with behavioural testing (fear and active avoidance) in rats.
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
Excellent talk by @katepeters3.bsky.social, who visited us at @notts-psych.bsky.social today to speak about "Effects of environmental enrichment in reducing food seeking and the role of corticolimbic circuits"
October 29, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Excellent talk by @katepeters3.bsky.social, who visited us at @notts-psych.bsky.social today to speak about "Effects of environmental enrichment in reducing food seeking and the role of corticolimbic circuits"
This looks very appealing for someone looking to do a PhD in sunny Malaga (Spain) with an excellent mentor and team.
JOB ALERT: I am offering a 4-year funded PhD opportunity. The position is specifically linked to the project “Assessing the balance between goal-directed and habitual processing through the course of learning". The project is about learning habits and include eye tracking and pupillometry...
October 24, 2025 at 10:26 AM
This looks very appealing for someone looking to do a PhD in sunny Malaga (Spain) with an excellent mentor and team.
Thought-provoking analysis by @markhaselgrove.bsky.social on a recent preprint looking at benchmarks for associative learning models 👇
Am slowly making my way through this paper. And it is an impressive body of work by a collection of great researchers.
However, I have a couple of problems with it...
1/n
However, I have a couple of problems with it...
1/n
Benchmarks for Associative Learning Models: https://osf.io/qsgz8
October 7, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Thought-provoking analysis by @markhaselgrove.bsky.social on a recent preprint looking at benchmarks for associative learning models 👇
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
In which 94 benchmark phenomena are identified.
16 are domain- and species-general and should be explained by any theory claiming generality.
30 are species- and/or domain-specific but highly robust across procedures
16 are domain- and species-general and should be explained by any theory claiming generality.
30 are species- and/or domain-specific but highly robust across procedures
Benchmarks for Associative Learning Models: https://osf.io/qsgz8
October 2, 2025 at 5:44 AM
In which 94 benchmark phenomena are identified.
16 are domain- and species-general and should be explained by any theory claiming generality.
30 are species- and/or domain-specific but highly robust across procedures
16 are domain- and species-general and should be explained by any theory claiming generality.
30 are species- and/or domain-specific but highly robust across procedures
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry
Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry
Commission’s 72-page legal analysis cites examples including scale of killings, aid blockages and forced displacement
*
Middle East crisis – live updates
A UN commission of inquiry concluded on Tuesday that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and that top Israeli officials including the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had incited these acts.
It cited examples of the scale of the killings, aid blockages, forced displacement and the destruction of a fertility clinic to back up its genocide finding, adding its voice to rights groups and others that have reached the same conclusion. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
The MRC are looking for a computational neuroscientist to join their Neuroscience & Mental Health Board, to replace me as I step down next year.
Drop me a line if you want to know more
Deadline September 14th
www.ukri.org/who-we-are/w....
Drop me a line if you want to know more
Deadline September 14th
www.ukri.org/who-we-are/w....
MRC Neurosciences and Mental Health Board (NMHB) member vacancies
Closing date
14 September 2025 at 11:59pm (UK time)
Number of positions
Six
Length of term
Two years, plus additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per da...
www.ukri.org
September 10, 2025 at 11:54 AM
The MRC are looking for a computational neuroscientist to join their Neuroscience & Mental Health Board, to replace me as I step down next year.
Drop me a line if you want to know more
Deadline September 14th
www.ukri.org/who-we-are/w....
Drop me a line if you want to know more
Deadline September 14th
www.ukri.org/who-we-are/w....
Only two days left to apply for this 3-year postdoc position to look at fear, avoidance, heart rate monitoring and the neural mechanisms orchestrating these. Get in touch with Carl Stevenson or myself if you are interested, the deadline is Friday! Please repost.
Job Alert!!! We are looking for a motivated postdoc to join a 3-year BBSRC funded project led by my colleague Carl Stevenson (I’m coPI). This multi-disciplinary project will combine in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics with behavioural testing (fear and active avoidance) in rats.
September 3, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Only two days left to apply for this 3-year postdoc position to look at fear, avoidance, heart rate monitoring and the neural mechanisms orchestrating these. Get in touch with Carl Stevenson or myself if you are interested, the deadline is Friday! Please repost.
Only a few days left to apply for this 3-year postdoc position in Nottingham (deadline Sept 5th!). If you're considering applying please get in touch. If you're already a PI, then repost this!
Job Alert!!! We are looking for a motivated postdoc to join a 3-year BBSRC funded project led by my colleague Carl Stevenson (I’m coPI). This multi-disciplinary project will combine in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics with behavioural testing (fear and active avoidance) in rats.
September 1, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Only a few days left to apply for this 3-year postdoc position in Nottingham (deadline Sept 5th!). If you're considering applying please get in touch. If you're already a PI, then repost this!
Reminder that we're looking for a Post Doc and the deadline is looming (Sept 5th). If you are interested, please get in touch. If you see this, please repost it to that it is seen by potential applicants!
Job Alert!!! We are looking for a motivated postdoc to join a 3-year BBSRC funded project led by my colleague Carl Stevenson (I’m coPI). This multi-disciplinary project will combine in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics with behavioural testing (fear and active avoidance) in rats.
August 28, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Reminder that we're looking for a Post Doc and the deadline is looming (Sept 5th). If you are interested, please get in touch. If you see this, please repost it to that it is seen by potential applicants!
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
In this recent #ResearchHighlight, the authors discuss new findings pointing a potential non-pharmacological approach for mitigating maladaptive craving behaviors
To indulge or enrich: how environmental enrichment affects neurons that promote food seeking
Neuropsychopharmacology - To indulge or enrich: how environmental enrichment affects neurons that promote food seeking
www.nature.com
August 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
In this recent #ResearchHighlight, the authors discuss new findings pointing a potential non-pharmacological approach for mitigating maladaptive craving behaviors
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
The cost of remembering: engram competition as a flexible mechanism of forgetting.
Our new perspective piece in @cp-trendsneuro.bsky.social, lead by Ryan Lab alumni, Livia Autore. Also with Michael Drew from @utaustin.bsky.social
Trends in Neurosciences www.cell.com/trends/neuro...
Our new perspective piece in @cp-trendsneuro.bsky.social, lead by Ryan Lab alumni, Livia Autore. Also with Michael Drew from @utaustin.bsky.social
Trends in Neurosciences www.cell.com/trends/neuro...
The cost of remembering: engram competition as a flexible mechanism of forgetting
The retention and use of long-term memories is crucial for adaptive behavior. While
stable memories help organisms anticipate outcomes, they may become maladaptive if
not updated to reflect new condit...
www.cell.com
August 15, 2025 at 8:59 AM
The cost of remembering: engram competition as a flexible mechanism of forgetting.
Our new perspective piece in @cp-trendsneuro.bsky.social, lead by Ryan Lab alumni, Livia Autore. Also with Michael Drew from @utaustin.bsky.social
Trends in Neurosciences www.cell.com/trends/neuro...
Our new perspective piece in @cp-trendsneuro.bsky.social, lead by Ryan Lab alumni, Livia Autore. Also with Michael Drew from @utaustin.bsky.social
Trends in Neurosciences www.cell.com/trends/neuro...
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
My latest column for @thetransmitter.bsky.social - why neural populations are a convenient fiction
doi.org/10.53053/FZK...
doi.org/10.53053/FZK...
The challenge of defining a neural population
Our current approach is largely arbitrary. We need new methods for grouping cells, ideally by their dynamics.
doi.org
August 12, 2025 at 3:45 PM
My latest column for @thetransmitter.bsky.social - why neural populations are a convenient fiction
doi.org/10.53053/FZK...
doi.org/10.53053/FZK...
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
Nick Mackintosh and the not-so-recent history of associative learning, as seen through the eyes of his friend and definitive rival, Geoff Hall.
It reminded me of how much fun it was working with Geoff.
www-users.york.ac.uk/~gh1/pdf/201...
It reminded me of how much fun it was working with Geoff.
www-users.york.ac.uk/~gh1/pdf/201...
www-users.york.ac.uk
August 14, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Nick Mackintosh and the not-so-recent history of associative learning, as seen through the eyes of his friend and definitive rival, Geoff Hall.
It reminded me of how much fun it was working with Geoff.
www-users.york.ac.uk/~gh1/pdf/201...
It reminded me of how much fun it was working with Geoff.
www-users.york.ac.uk/~gh1/pdf/201...
Job Alert!!! We are looking for a motivated postdoc to join a 3-year BBSRC funded project led by my colleague Carl Stevenson (I’m coPI). This multi-disciplinary project will combine in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics with behavioural testing (fear and active avoidance) in rats.
August 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Job Alert!!! We are looking for a motivated postdoc to join a 3-year BBSRC funded project led by my colleague Carl Stevenson (I’m coPI). This multi-disciplinary project will combine in vivo heart rate monitoring and optogenetics with behavioural testing (fear and active avoidance) in rats.
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
Looking for a free day out over Summer? We give you free car parking, and a fun half day of science. Rember the park and the ice-cream van are only a stones throw away.
We still have a few spaces left for this years Summer Scientist Week, so make sure to get booked on at www.summerscientist.org
We still have a few spaces left for this years Summer Scientist Week, so make sure to get booked on at www.summerscientist.org
Summer Scientist booking system
Summer Scientist Week is a free event for 4-11 year-olds and their parents, which gives a fun introduction to the mind and brain.
www.summerscientist.org
July 31, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Looking for a free day out over Summer? We give you free car parking, and a fun half day of science. Rember the park and the ice-cream van are only a stones throw away.
We still have a few spaces left for this years Summer Scientist Week, so make sure to get booked on at www.summerscientist.org
We still have a few spaces left for this years Summer Scientist Week, so make sure to get booked on at www.summerscientist.org
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
As staff, it’s our great honour to witness this moment of celebration. We’ve loved teaching & supporting you throughout your journey, watching you cross the stage, meeting your families & friends is a privilege. Wishing you all the best. Go make your mark, Class of 2025! 💫
July 31, 2025 at 1:27 PM
As staff, it’s our great honour to witness this moment of celebration. We’ve loved teaching & supporting you throughout your journey, watching you cross the stage, meeting your families & friends is a privilege. Wishing you all the best. Go make your mark, Class of 2025! 💫
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
New preprint from the lab on habit learning in compulsivity from the fantastic @kellydonegan.bsky.social! ✅ N=1000, ✅ pre-registered, ✅ within-person crossover design...we study individual differences in habit learning using the Neureka App
🚨PREPRINT ALERT🚨
Why do some people get stuck doing things that no longer make sense, or are even harmful? Our new study shows compulsivity isn’t just about weakened goal-directed control; people high in compulsivity also form stronger habits
📄: osf.io/preprints/ps...
#PaperFairy #Habits #CogSci
Why do some people get stuck doing things that no longer make sense, or are even harmful? Our new study shows compulsivity isn’t just about weakened goal-directed control; people high in compulsivity also form stronger habits
📄: osf.io/preprints/ps...
#PaperFairy #Habits #CogSci
OSF
osf.io
July 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM
New preprint from the lab on habit learning in compulsivity from the fantastic @kellydonegan.bsky.social! ✅ N=1000, ✅ pre-registered, ✅ within-person crossover design...we study individual differences in habit learning using the Neureka App
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
The first day of the joint EPS and CSBBCS meeting in Dundee ends, fittingly, with a joint poster session!
July 8, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The first day of the joint EPS and CSBBCS meeting in Dundee ends, fittingly, with a joint poster session!
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
@kellydonegan.bsky.social showing our latest smartphone habit research this morning at @rldmdublin2025.bsky.social 📲
June 14, 2025 at 9:02 AM
@kellydonegan.bsky.social showing our latest smartphone habit research this morning at @rldmdublin2025.bsky.social 📲
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
Many variables determine whether instrumental behaviour is goal-directed or habitual. We have documented in rats that delays between response and outcome attenuate sensitivity to outcome devaluation (a canonical test of goal directedness). In this study we replicated that observation in humans.
Delayed rewards weaken human goal directed actions - npj Science of Learning
npj Science of Learning - Delayed rewards weaken human goal directed actions
doi.org
June 10, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Many variables determine whether instrumental behaviour is goal-directed or habitual. We have documented in rats that delays between response and outcome attenuate sensitivity to outcome devaluation (a canonical test of goal directedness). In this study we replicated that observation in humans.
Many variables determine whether instrumental behaviour is goal-directed or habitual. We have documented in rats that delays between response and outcome attenuate sensitivity to outcome devaluation (a canonical test of goal directedness). In this study we replicated that observation in humans.
Delayed rewards weaken human goal directed actions - npj Science of Learning
npj Science of Learning - Delayed rewards weaken human goal directed actions
doi.org
June 10, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Many variables determine whether instrumental behaviour is goal-directed or habitual. We have documented in rats that delays between response and outcome attenuate sensitivity to outcome devaluation (a canonical test of goal directedness). In this study we replicated that observation in humans.
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
Maybe the future of education is that only students who care about learning will go to college and everybody else can spend all day at networking events. I just don't see any point spending time in the liminal space where students pretend that they're learning while having LLMs do their work.
May 21, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Maybe the future of education is that only students who care about learning will go to college and everybody else can spend all day at networking events. I just don't see any point spending time in the liminal space where students pretend that they're learning while having LLMs do their work.
Fantastic Mackintosh lecture at the Gregynog Associative Learning meeting given by Eva Jablonka
April 16, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Fantastic Mackintosh lecture at the Gregynog Associative Learning meeting given by Eva Jablonka
Abstract portal is open for submissions for the joint meeting of EPS and CSBBCS in Dundee (July 2025).
The portals are now open!
EPS Meeting: University of Dundee. 8th – 11th July 2025.
A joint meeting with the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS).
Portals for this meeting opened at 10am (UK Time) on April 7th for a minimum of 24 hours.
eps.ac.uk/next-meeting/
EPS Meeting: University of Dundee. 8th – 11th July 2025.
A joint meeting with the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS).
Portals for this meeting opened at 10am (UK Time) on April 7th for a minimum of 24 hours.
eps.ac.uk/next-meeting/
Next Meeting
EPS Meeting: University of Dundee. 8th – 11th July 2025. This will be a joint meeting with the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS), and will include the 53rd B…
eps.ac.uk
April 7, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Abstract portal is open for submissions for the joint meeting of EPS and CSBBCS in Dundee (July 2025).
Reposted by Gonzalo Urcelay
Delighted to be at the Lancaster meeting of the @exppsychsoc.bsky.social. Great talks from members of @notts-psych.bsky.social, Lauren Marsh and Sandra Lagator.
April 2, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Delighted to be at the Lancaster meeting of the @exppsychsoc.bsky.social. Great talks from members of @notts-psych.bsky.social, Lauren Marsh and Sandra Lagator.