Short Course on the Application of Machine Learning for Automated Quantification of Behavior

Location: The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine & Virtual

Transform Your Neuroscience and Behavior Research

This course will cover the fundamentals of quantitative behavior analysis, machine learning, and data science. Through a combination of scientific lectures and hands-on training, you’ll learn how to implement machine learning methods for behavior quantification and modeling, gaining insights and skills that will advance your research.

Scholarships are available for all career stages. Learn more below.

Oct

12 - 17

2025

About

Are you an early career researcher in neuroscience, genetics, or biomedical research looking to enhance your expertise in behavior quantification? Join us for the Short Course on the Application of Machine Learning for Automated Quantification of Behavior.

Why Attend?

This course focuses on the fundamentals of quantitative behavior analysis, machine learning, and data science to equip early career researchers with the theoretical and technical skills to apply cutting-edge machine learning methods to behavioral quantification and modeling.

In-Person Experience:

Hands-on Workshops. Receive expert-led training in experimental workflows, analysis tools, animal tracking algorithms, and advanced statistical modeling.
Build Your Network. Connect with leading researchers and technology developers, including the course organizers Gordon Berman, Ph.D., Ann Kennedy, Ph.D., Ishmail Abdus-Saboor, Ph.D., and Vivek Kumar, Ph.D.
Discuss Your Research. Present your research in poster sessions and participate in informal evening discussions to forge valuable collaborations and advance your career.

Virtual Access:

Can’t attend in person? Our virtual format allows you to access live-streamed lectures, participate in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from recorded content available for six months post-course.

Although virtual participants won’t have access to hands-on workshops, poster sessions, or evening events, the comprehensive online experience ensures you stay apprised of the latest theoretical and technical advancements in machine learning for automated quantification of behavior.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25MH129298. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

"The course was extremely useful. It covered the basics of how to set up a machine learning system in the lab, how it works and what can be achieved using it. The interaction with the instructors was constant, personal and productive."

— Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences, University of New England

"The afternoon workshops offered extensive hands-on experience, allowing me to seamlessly incorporate these skills into my existing workflows and behavioral analysis pipelines."

— Postdoctoral Fellow, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Registration

In-Person Standard

Registration Fee: $1,500

Optional Shared Lodging at Highseas: $300

Course/Workshop registration fees include all workshop materials, supplies, and most meals. Optional shared lodging at JAX’s Highseas Conference Center is available on a first come first served basis. Your lodging and registration are not confirmed until payment has been received in full. 

Payments:

Registration is only confirmed once full payment has been received. Payment in full is due 45 days before the start of the course. You can pay using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express during registration. Wire transfers will be accepted only with prior authorization; contact the event planner for further instructions. All bank charges associated with payment are the responsibility of the course participant.

 Receipts: 

Receipts will be provided automatically when payment is received via email through the registration system.

Apply Now

Travel Information

On-Campus

Lodging accommodations at JAX’s Highseas Conference Center is available for an additional fee. Highseas, located approximately 1 mile from The Jackson Laboratory, is a spacious estate built in 1912, overlooking the entrance to Frenchman Bay and adjacent to beautiful Acadia National Park. Highseas is handicap accessible (please indicate accessibility needs in registration). This lodging option cannot accommodate families. Rooms may be shared with other participants.

Off-Campus

Participants choosing off-campus lodging are responsible for securing arrangements and may refer to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website for a guide on hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and short-term rentals in the Bar Harbor area.

Meals will be provided by JAX’s campus dining services throughout the event. Participants staying off-campus may still partake in evening meals at Highseas. Participants are responsible for travel and lodging for this course. Please refer to the event schedule for more information.

Participants must adhere to Maine State travel, health and safety guidelines at the time of the event and use good judgement when arranging lodging. We recommend participants be familiar with their hotel’s cancellation policies prior to booking. The Jackson Laboratory is not responsible for lodging expenses or losses incurred due to the cancellation or rescheduling of an event.