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.

Mónica Isela Acuautla Meneses — Mónica Acuautla

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

Picture of Hildeberto Jardon Kojakhmetov — Hildeberto Jardon Kojakhmetov

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.