In-house expertise
Our multidisciplinary research centre integrates expertise in materials science, physics, device engineering, mathematics, computer science, artificial Intelligence, electrical engineering and robotics. This expertise is embedded in three different institutes within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen: the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and AI and the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG).
Advancing neuromorphic computing
Leveraging strengths in neuromorphic computing and brain-inspired computing, our unique approach focuses on developing scalable neuromorphic chips and neural network hardware. This scalability allows us to surpass current solutions, driving advancements in neuromorphic processors and AI.
Since this is a very new field, its future will strongly depend on the quality of our education. Find out more about the student courses that CogniGron offers.
Research disciplines and experts
Materials Science
At the heart of our research is the advancement of materials that enable rapid signal transfer and long-term learning effects, akin to memristors. We focus on developing materials with adaptive features and low-energy consumption, aiming to create systems that integrate both short-term signal transfer and long-term learning dynamics. This involves exploring various material systems and devices, from nanoscale materials with intrinsic properties to hybrid and fully integrated low-power devices, drawing on our expertise in tuneable conducting domain walls, skyrmions, and optoelectronics.
Prof. Mónica Acuautla
Materials for Mechatronics
Prof. dr. Tamalika Banerjee
Spintronics of Functional Materials
Prof. dr. ir. Bart Kooi
Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces
Prof. dr. Maria Loi
Photophysics and OptoElectronics
Prof. dr. Beatriz Noheda
Nanostructures of Functional Oxides
Prof. dr. George Palasantzas
Physics (Surface interactions and Nanostructures)
Prof. dr. Petra Rudolf
Experimental Solid State Physics
Artificial Intelligence
The University of Groningen excels in artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, machine learning, and cognitive modelling, with expertise spanning neural networks in both artificial and natural systems, cognitive neuroscience, and data science engineering. Recent advancements in Deep Learning have revolutionised machine learning, enabling neural networks to handle complex 2D and 3D patterns with greater efficiency and robustness. This progress in Cognitive Computing facilitates the detection and prediction of spatiotemporal patterns from raw data. However, challenges remain, such as the high energy consumption of current neural-network implementations compared to the brain’s efficiency. To address these issues, we aim to explore new materials and computing paradigms suitable for neuromorphic computing, leveraging both theoretical and practical approaches. Collaboration with experts at CWI in Amsterdam and the University of Waterloo will support our efforts to develop models and methods for efficient, low-energy neural computing.
Prof. dr. Jelmer Borst
Computational (Cognitive) Models
Prof. dr. Matthew Cook
Cortex-inspired Computing
Prof. dr. Davide Grossi
Cognitive Multiagent Systems
Prof. dr. Herbert Jaeger
Computation in Cognitive Materials
Prof. dr. Lambert Schomaker
Artificial Intelligence
Prof. dr. Niels Taatgen
Artificial Intelligence
Prof. dr. Bart Verheij
Computational argumentation
Dr. Marieke van Vugt
Cognitive Modeling
Mathematics
The University of Groningen’s mathematics expertise covers a broad range, including Statistics & Stochastics, Systems & Control, Computational Mathematics, and Dynamical Systems. This expertise is closely connected to computer sciences, particularly through Systems & Control, which is vital for modelling large-scale stochastic systems and performing complex simulations. The department’s focus includes the analysis and control of dynamic systems using mathematical theories from analysis, algebra, geometry, and measure theory.
Key areas of interest involve studying both long-term and transient behaviours, bifurcations, and employing numerical and visualisation tools. Additionally, the department highlights algorithmic and constructive methods, especially in statistical mechanics and high-dimensional inference. There are ample opportunities for collaboration between mathematics and materials engineering, integrating fundamental research with practical applications in engineering and the natural sciences.
Prof. dr. Bart Besselink
Systems and Control Theory
dr. Gilles Bonnet
Stochastics
Dr. Serte Donderwinkel
Probability Theory
Prof. dr. Marco Grzegorczyk
Computational Statistics
Dr. Hildeberto Jardon Kojakhmetov
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Dr. Julian Koellermeier
Computational Mathematics
Prof. dr. Arjan van der Schaft
Applied Analysis
Dr. Alef Sterk
Dynamical Systems Theory
Prof. dr. Holger Waalkens
Dynamical Systems Theory
Computer Science
The computer science department at the University of Groningen is essential to CogniGron, with its strong expertise in Image Processing & Computer Vision, which is perfect for creating advanced algorithms to analyse images of nanomaterials. The department’s strengths in biologically inspired pattern recognition and machine learning align closely with Cognitive Computing. Additionally, expertise in Computer Graphics, Visualisation, and Visual Analytics aids in designing and understanding cognitive materials and complex systems. Knowledge in Fundamental Computing, including logic, algorithms, and data structures, is crucial for developing new computing paradigms for cognitive systems. Collaborative efforts with materials scientists focus on using these technologies for efficient image analysis and system design, integrating machine learning and pattern recognition to enhance cognitive system development.
Prof. dr. George Azzopardi
Computer Science
Prof. dr. Michael Biehl
Intelligent Systems
Prof. dr. Jelmer Borst
Computational (Cognitive) Models
Prof. dr. ir. Georgi Gaydadjiev
Innovative Computer Architecture
Dr. Farhad Merchant
Innovative Computer Architecture
Prof. Dirk Pleiter
Innovate Computer Architectures
dr. Revantha Ramanayake
Theory of Computation
Prof. dr. Jos Roerdink
Scientific Visualization and Computer Graphics
Prof. dr. Fatih Turkmen
Computer and Network Security
Dr. Michael Wilkinson
Digital image analysis and computer vision
Electrical Engineering and Robotics
At CogniGron, the Electrical Engineering and Robotics discipline is dedicated to advancing neuromorphic computing by developing bio-inspired circuits and systems that emulate the brain's efficiency and adaptability. Our research focuses on creating autonomous robots and complex systems capable of self-learning and decision-making. We aim to revolutionize computing technologies with energy-efficient, compact and robust solutions especially suitable for edge-computing and robotic applications.
Prof. Ming Cao
Multi-agent systems, autonomous robots, complex systems and networks
Prof. dr. Elisabetta Chicca
Bio-Inspired Circuits and Systems
Dr. Erika Covi
Cognitive Devices
Prof. dr. ir. André van Schaik
Neuromorphic Engineering and Computational Neuroscience
| Last modified: | 11 February 2025 12.49 p.m. |