John Butler
@jslbutler.bsky.social
TU Dublin Maths/Stats/Comp/Neuro Lecturer | Multisensory Researcher | FENS Communication Committee | He/Him
Day 1: Predator–Prey Dynamics 🐺🐇
Explore how maths models the balance of nature, from hares & lynx to the reintroduction of wolves & deer in Yellowstone, and reveals surprising ecological connections.
john-s-butler-dit.github.io/Maths-in-the...
Explore how maths models the balance of nature, from hares & lynx to the reintroduction of wolves & deer in Yellowstone, and reveals surprising ecological connections.
john-s-butler-dit.github.io/Maths-in-the...
October 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Day 1: Predator–Prey Dynamics 🐺🐇
Explore how maths models the balance of nature, from hares & lynx to the reintroduction of wolves & deer in Yellowstone, and reveals surprising ecological connections.
john-s-butler-dit.github.io/Maths-in-the...
Explore how maths models the balance of nature, from hares & lynx to the reintroduction of wolves & deer in Yellowstone, and reveals surprising ecological connections.
john-s-butler-dit.github.io/Maths-in-the...
I’ve created five one-hour workshops for primary & secondary students, all free to use, showing how maths helps us understand the world
Each workshop includes:
📊 Slides
📝 Worksheets (short for primary, detailed for secondary)
✅ Full solutions
I’ll share one workshop each #MathsWeek2025 day!
Each workshop includes:
📊 Slides
📝 Worksheets (short for primary, detailed for secondary)
✅ Full solutions
I’ll share one workshop each #MathsWeek2025 day!
October 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I’ve created five one-hour workshops for primary & secondary students, all free to use, showing how maths helps us understand the world
Each workshop includes:
📊 Slides
📝 Worksheets (short for primary, detailed for secondary)
✅ Full solutions
I’ll share one workshop each #MathsWeek2025 day!
Each workshop includes:
📊 Slides
📝 Worksheets (short for primary, detailed for secondary)
✅ Full solutions
I’ll share one workshop each #MathsWeek2025 day!
My 11-year-old and I ran a table at @dublinmaker.bsky.social this weekend, mixing maths, art, neuroscience, and machine learning.
Over 100 people joined us to sketch emotions, act them out, and see their faces transformed into Eigenfaces using maths and computing.
Over 100 people joined us to sketch emotions, act them out, and see their faces transformed into Eigenfaces using maths and computing.
September 1, 2025 at 10:18 AM
My 11-year-old and I ran a table at @dublinmaker.bsky.social this weekend, mixing maths, art, neuroscience, and machine learning.
Over 100 people joined us to sketch emotions, act them out, and see their faces transformed into Eigenfaces using maths and computing.
Over 100 people joined us to sketch emotions, act them out, and see their faces transformed into Eigenfaces using maths and computing.
@dublinmaker.bsky.social is a phenomenal free family event. Where else can you meet knitters, weavers, zine makers, robots and a middle aged mathematician (me) showing face recognition algorithms.
I’ve all my regalia ready come along so some sketching, lean some maths get your own eigenface.
I’ve all my regalia ready come along so some sketching, lean some maths get your own eigenface.
August 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM
@dublinmaker.bsky.social is a phenomenal free family event. Where else can you meet knitters, weavers, zine makers, robots and a middle aged mathematician (me) showing face recognition algorithms.
I’ve all my regalia ready come along so some sketching, lean some maths get your own eigenface.
I’ve all my regalia ready come along so some sketching, lean some maths get your own eigenface.
I'm delighted to be back at @dublinmaker.bsky.social with the Digital Mirror workshop which shows the links between maths, portraiture, neuroscience and machine learning.
August 14, 2025 at 9:24 AM
I'm delighted to be back at @dublinmaker.bsky.social with the Digital Mirror workshop which shows the links between maths, portraiture, neuroscience and machine learning.
Lastly I get a real buzz at IMRF chatting with modellers, electrophysiologists, EEG and MRI researchers, psychophysicists, developmental and clinical researchers. Or one researcher who encapsulates them all like @wallacelab.bsky.social who gave a beautiful keynote about his research
July 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Lastly I get a real buzz at IMRF chatting with modellers, electrophysiologists, EEG and MRI researchers, psychophysicists, developmental and clinical researchers. Or one researcher who encapsulates them all like @wallacelab.bsky.social who gave a beautiful keynote about his research
A few IMRF highlights for me were:
· @exhs.bsky.social work on perceived direction.
· Adrià Marly's elegant work on temporal integration
· @marcusghosh.bsky.social work which is a computational tour-de-force systematically exploring 128 different neuronal architectures for multisensory processing.
· @exhs.bsky.social work on perceived direction.
· Adrià Marly's elegant work on temporal integration
· @marcusghosh.bsky.social work which is a computational tour-de-force systematically exploring 128 different neuronal architectures for multisensory processing.
July 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM
A few IMRF highlights for me were:
· @exhs.bsky.social work on perceived direction.
· Adrià Marly's elegant work on temporal integration
· @marcusghosh.bsky.social work which is a computational tour-de-force systematically exploring 128 different neuronal architectures for multisensory processing.
· @exhs.bsky.social work on perceived direction.
· Adrià Marly's elegant work on temporal integration
· @marcusghosh.bsky.social work which is a computational tour-de-force systematically exploring 128 different neuronal architectures for multisensory processing.
It was great presenting talks on Rebecca Brady's PhD multisensory modelling research
One on visual-vestibular modelling with temporal delay in collaboration w @jennycampos.bsky.social
The other one w Jennifer Bizley on modelling proportion of mulisensory neurons with respect to processing speed.
One on visual-vestibular modelling with temporal delay in collaboration w @jennycampos.bsky.social
The other one w Jennifer Bizley on modelling proportion of mulisensory neurons with respect to processing speed.
July 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM
It was great presenting talks on Rebecca Brady's PhD multisensory modelling research
One on visual-vestibular modelling with temporal delay in collaboration w @jennycampos.bsky.social
The other one w Jennifer Bizley on modelling proportion of mulisensory neurons with respect to processing speed.
One on visual-vestibular modelling with temporal delay in collaboration w @jennycampos.bsky.social
The other one w Jennifer Bizley on modelling proportion of mulisensory neurons with respect to processing speed.
On the second day, we helped 10 amazing researchers polish their 9 acts. The researchers then made their comedy neuroscience debuts in front of an audience of over 100 people at the Young Researchers’ Social Event.
Thanks so much to everyone who participated.
3/3
Thanks so much to everyone who participated.
3/3
June 28, 2025 at 9:04 AM
On the second day, we helped 10 amazing researchers polish their 9 acts. The researchers then made their comedy neuroscience debuts in front of an audience of over 100 people at the Young Researchers’ Social Event.
Thanks so much to everyone who participated.
3/3
Thanks so much to everyone who participated.
3/3
On the first day, it kicked off with a workshop attended by around 60 participants. We presented our experiences in comedy science communication and the benefits of using humour. The participants brainstormed their own comedy routines in small groups, and we provide feedback. 2/3
June 28, 2025 at 9:04 AM
On the first day, it kicked off with a workshop attended by around 60 participants. We presented our experiences in comedy science communication and the benefits of using humour. The participants brainstormed their own comedy routines in small groups, and we provide feedback. 2/3
Last week, myself, Michele Marini and Rebecca Ellis hosted our second Funny Brains workshop–Science Communication via Comedy at the @fens.org Regional Meeting (FRM) in Oslo.
This event is a joy to run and a great way of learning about different areas of neuroscience.
The event spanned two days. 1/3
This event is a joy to run and a great way of learning about different areas of neuroscience.
The event spanned two days. 1/3
June 28, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Last week, myself, Michele Marini and Rebecca Ellis hosted our second Funny Brains workshop–Science Communication via Comedy at the @fens.org Regional Meeting (FRM) in Oslo.
This event is a joy to run and a great way of learning about different areas of neuroscience.
The event spanned two days. 1/3
This event is a joy to run and a great way of learning about different areas of neuroscience.
The event spanned two days. 1/3
Lastly thanks to Rebecca Brady's PhD funders @researchireland.ie and to all the people we have spoken to while developing this work.
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June 4, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Lastly thanks to Rebecca Brady's PhD funders @researchireland.ie and to all the people we have spoken to while developing this work.
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/end
We also included a model to account for sensory priming due to repetition of stimuli and what was nice about that is the model reproduced behaviourals findings but also showed that the measures being used are sensitive enough to account for this kind of false multisensory integration
6/8
6/8
June 4, 2025 at 12:13 PM
We also included a model to account for sensory priming due to repetition of stimuli and what was nice about that is the model reproduced behaviourals findings but also showed that the measures being used are sensitive enough to account for this kind of false multisensory integration
6/8
6/8
But like all good models neither one was perfect. We tested the outputs by fitting a drift diffusion. We found the no integration (OR) model was sub-optimal, no surprise while the integration model (SUM) was supra-optimal for cases which was a surprise. THIS MEANS WE HAVE NUANCE!!
5/8
5/8
June 4, 2025 at 12:13 PM
But like all good models neither one was perfect. We tested the outputs by fitting a drift diffusion. We found the no integration (OR) model was sub-optimal, no surprise while the integration model (SUM) was supra-optimal for cases which was a surprise. THIS MEANS WE HAVE NUANCE!!
5/8
5/8
As this is the first paper we chose to model the two most common mechanisms. No integration, which we called the OR model and loads of integration the SUM model.
The reaction times and accuracy of the models (small symbols) overlapped nicely with the behavioural findings.
4/8
The reaction times and accuracy of the models (small symbols) overlapped nicely with the behavioural findings.
4/8
June 4, 2025 at 12:13 PM
As this is the first paper we chose to model the two most common mechanisms. No integration, which we called the OR model and loads of integration the SUM model.
The reaction times and accuracy of the models (small symbols) overlapped nicely with the behavioural findings.
4/8
The reaction times and accuracy of the models (small symbols) overlapped nicely with the behavioural findings.
4/8
The model we use is based upon the awesome work of Wong and Wang JoN 2006, where they modelled visual decision making using differential equations to reproduce neuronal and behavioural responses.
So we adapted the model for multisensory integration. BUT WHAT KIND OF MULTISENSORY INTEGRATION.
3/8
So we adapted the model for multisensory integration. BUT WHAT KIND OF MULTISENSORY INTEGRATION.
3/8
June 4, 2025 at 12:13 PM
The model we use is based upon the awesome work of Wong and Wang JoN 2006, where they modelled visual decision making using differential equations to reproduce neuronal and behavioural responses.
So we adapted the model for multisensory integration. BUT WHAT KIND OF MULTISENSORY INTEGRATION.
3/8
So we adapted the model for multisensory integration. BUT WHAT KIND OF MULTISENSORY INTEGRATION.
3/8
I'm already there with my paint by numbers EEG topographies.
Even better than the real result.
Even better than the real result.
May 26, 2025 at 4:47 PM
I'm already there with my paint by numbers EEG topographies.
Even better than the real result.
Even better than the real result.
Last year we had the inaugural Funny Brains event @fens.org forum. On the first day there was training and on the second day 14 neuroscientists did phenomenal comedy science acts to an audience of 200+ people.
This year we are having an online event about using humour in online science communication
This year we are having an online event about using humour in online science communication
May 26, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Last year we had the inaugural Funny Brains event @fens.org forum. On the first day there was training and on the second day 14 neuroscientists did phenomenal comedy science acts to an audience of 200+ people.
This year we are having an online event about using humour in online science communication
This year we are having an online event about using humour in online science communication
Last week I had a lovely time speaking at @pintofscienceie.bsky.social
Thanks to the organisers and everyone who came along.
This is a photo of me inaction which looks like I'm recreating Clint Eastwoods speech at the RNC or a one man show of the film Harvey
Both young and cool references :)
Thanks to the organisers and everyone who came along.
This is a photo of me inaction which looks like I'm recreating Clint Eastwoods speech at the RNC or a one man show of the film Harvey
Both young and cool references :)
May 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Last week I had a lovely time speaking at @pintofscienceie.bsky.social
Thanks to the organisers and everyone who came along.
This is a photo of me inaction which looks like I'm recreating Clint Eastwoods speech at the RNC or a one man show of the film Harvey
Both young and cool references :)
Thanks to the organisers and everyone who came along.
This is a photo of me inaction which looks like I'm recreating Clint Eastwoods speech at the RNC or a one man show of the film Harvey
Both young and cool references :)
University exams ended today so it started raining.
Now we have to wait another week until the leaving cert starts, to sacrifice another groups of students happiness for a sunny day.
Now we have to wait another week until the leaving cert starts, to sacrifice another groups of students happiness for a sunny day.
May 23, 2025 at 4:34 PM
University exams ended today so it started raining.
Now we have to wait another week until the leaving cert starts, to sacrifice another groups of students happiness for a sunny day.
Now we have to wait another week until the leaving cert starts, to sacrifice another groups of students happiness for a sunny day.
If you are curious about AI and its ethical concerns, origins, strengths and weaknesses. Then @pintofscienceie.bsky.social from May 19th to 21st is for you. This year, seven researchers from @tudublin.bsky.social are talking about their research related to AI.
May 16, 2025 at 10:57 AM
If you are curious about AI and its ethical concerns, origins, strengths and weaknesses. Then @pintofscienceie.bsky.social from May 19th to 21st is for you. This year, seven researchers from @tudublin.bsky.social are talking about their research related to AI.
On 21st of May I'm speaking at Chaplin's pub as part of @pintofscienceie.bsky.social
I'll show how neurons detect motion so we "Don't get eaten by a Tiger" and how with a bit of maths this inspired early.
Free tickets available here: pintofscience.ie/event/neurof...
@tudublin.bsky.social
I'll show how neurons detect motion so we "Don't get eaten by a Tiger" and how with a bit of maths this inspired early.
Free tickets available here: pintofscience.ie/event/neurof...
@tudublin.bsky.social
May 14, 2025 at 2:37 PM
On 21st of May I'm speaking at Chaplin's pub as part of @pintofscienceie.bsky.social
I'll show how neurons detect motion so we "Don't get eaten by a Tiger" and how with a bit of maths this inspired early.
Free tickets available here: pintofscience.ie/event/neurof...
@tudublin.bsky.social
I'll show how neurons detect motion so we "Don't get eaten by a Tiger" and how with a bit of maths this inspired early.
Free tickets available here: pintofscience.ie/event/neurof...
@tudublin.bsky.social
Thursday was a great day Harvey McCone passed his PhD Viva on timing and evidence in decision making
It has been an absolute joy and pleasure co-supervising Harvey with @redmondoconnell.bsky.social
Thanks to the examiners @whelanlabtcd.bsky.social and @tomrhysmarshall.bsky.social
It has been an absolute joy and pleasure co-supervising Harvey with @redmondoconnell.bsky.social
Thanks to the examiners @whelanlabtcd.bsky.social and @tomrhysmarshall.bsky.social
May 3, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Thursday was a great day Harvey McCone passed his PhD Viva on timing and evidence in decision making
It has been an absolute joy and pleasure co-supervising Harvey with @redmondoconnell.bsky.social
Thanks to the examiners @whelanlabtcd.bsky.social and @tomrhysmarshall.bsky.social
It has been an absolute joy and pleasure co-supervising Harvey with @redmondoconnell.bsky.social
Thanks to the examiners @whelanlabtcd.bsky.social and @tomrhysmarshall.bsky.social
One of the first Mumblin Deaf Ro gigs.
April 27, 2025 at 6:56 PM
One of the first Mumblin Deaf Ro gigs.
Badly Drawn Figure from our 2012 paper showing an evoked P3 response to a self-motion oddball task, which was no small thing.
I’m really proud of the work as it was my first Mobile EEG paper and was a collaboration between Dublin, New York and Tuebingen all my academic homes.
I’m really proud of the work as it was my first Mobile EEG paper and was a collaboration between Dublin, New York and Tuebingen all my academic homes.
March 17, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Badly Drawn Figure from our 2012 paper showing an evoked P3 response to a self-motion oddball task, which was no small thing.
I’m really proud of the work as it was my first Mobile EEG paper and was a collaboration between Dublin, New York and Tuebingen all my academic homes.
I’m really proud of the work as it was my first Mobile EEG paper and was a collaboration between Dublin, New York and Tuebingen all my academic homes.