The Centre will receive £5.6 million over four years from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
It will become a focal point for networking and collaboration on fundamental research and technology of neuromorphic computing to address the sustainability challenges facing today’s digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence systems.
Led by Aston University, the centre will include world-leading researchers from Loughborough, Queen Mary University of London and the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Southampton, and Strathclyde.
Neuromorphic computing seeks to replicate the brain’s structural and functional principles, however scientists currently lack a deep, system-level understanding of how the human brain computes at cellular and network scales. The researchers aim to tackle that challenge directly, blending stem-cell-derived human neuron experiments with advanced computational models, low-power algorithms and novel photonic hardware.
The centre team includes researchers with broad and complementary expertise in neuroscience, non-conventional computing algorithms, photonics, opto- and nano-electronics and materials science. In collaboration with policymakers and industrial partners the scientists and engineers will aim to demonstrate the capabilities of neuromorphic computing across a range of sectors and applications.
The centre will be supported by a broad network of industry partners including Microsoft Research, Thales, BT, QinetiQ, Nokia Bell Labs, Hewlett Packard Labs, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman and a number of small to medium enterprises. Their contribution will focus on enhancing the centre’s impact on society.
Professor Rhein Parri, Centre co-director and neurophysiologist at Aston University said: “For the first time, we can combine the study of living human neurons with that of advanced computing platforms to co-develop the future of computing.
“This project is an exciting leap forward, learning from biology and technology in ways that were not previously possible.”
Professor Paul Roach, Professor of Biomaterials and Interface Science at Loughborough, commented: “Loughborough is extremely well-placed to drive interdisciplinary research in neuro-engineering. This centre builds on expertise spanning stem cell technologies, microfabrication and materials chemistry. Our vision is to draw further interest and capability to cement the UK as a flagship in neuromorphic computing.”
Dr Eric Hill, Programme Director for Natural Sciences at Loughborough, added: "Our expertise in human induced pluripotent stem cell technologies is central to the multidisciplinary approach taken within this project. By leveraging the power of human stem cell-derived human neuronal cells, we will co-design novel 'brain inspired' neuromorphic systems that will enable the development of energy efficient computing paradigms to process complex information."
The experts aim to co-design brain-inspired neuromorphic systems by studying human neuronal function using the latest human induced pluripotent stem cell – or hiPSC technologies – and developing new computational paradigms and low-power AI algorithms. They also plan to create devices and hardware that are inspired by biological systems, like the human brain. These devices will use light – or photonic hardware – to process information. This approach will be the next big step in making computing more energy-efficient and capable of handling many tasks at the same time. They also aim to create a sustainable UK research ecosystem through training, road mapping, and international collaboration
In addition, the researchers aim to tackle the increasing global energy footprint of information and communication technologies which is developing at an unsustainable pace, driven partly by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence. Today’s AI systems are built on traditional computing hardware with increasingly high-power consumption (kW), posing a barrier to scalability and sustainability. In contrast, the human brain performs complex computation and communication tasks using just 20 watts.
The centre’s ambition goes beyond technology development as it aims to serve as a foundation for a long-term, interdisciplinary research ecosystem – actively expanding its membership and reach over time. It aims to establish a sustainable centre that continues to be a focal point for the community and will thrive beyond the initial funding period, reinforcing innovation, partnership, and impact in the field of neuromorphic computing.