17.07.2026: We are pleased to announce our upcoming ELLIS Unit Stuttgart Distinguished Lecture Series talk by Dr. P. Michael Furlong from the University of Waterloo! Looking forward to seeing you all there! No registration necessary. Title:  Vector Symbolic Algebras: Legible Linear Algebra Abstract: Vector Symbolic Algebras (VSAs) are a family of frameworks developed to unify symbolic reasoning and connectionist models. In this way, they provide a rigorous way to talk about neural computation. In this talk, I will highlight the connections between different computing models and underscore some of the computational benefits that can be gained by adopting VSAs as a computing model, and end by highlighting an interesting VSA construct that has ties to state space machines and biological cognition. Bio: Dr. Michael Furlong is a research officer at the National Research Council of Canada / University of Waterloo Collaboration Centre, where he works on probabilistic models of neural computation. Michael has worked on automating planetary exploration, software architecture for Lunar rovers, autonomous flood mapping, neuromorphic computing for radiation environments, as well as field work, using uncrewed underwater, aerial, and ground vehicles. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.Sc. in Neuroscience from Oxford, and a B.Eng. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Memorial University.