Funder: EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
Lead partner: UCL
Partner: University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh
Lead academic: Dr Adnan Mehonic
Project amount: £314,736
Research themes: Neuromorphic Technologies; AI and Intelligent Systems; Sustainable Technologies
Project period: 1 March 2025 – 28 February 2030
Project description: The UK is on the cusp of a computing revolution, and could take a leading role in the development of advanced neuromorphic materials, devices and systems for energy-efficient AI hardware. With the field burgeoning, the timing is ripe for initiating a focused UK network. The proposed NeuMat network will unify academic and industry groups across the multifaceted UK landscape, creating a virtual centre of excellence. By fostering collaboration and training, the network will boost the country’s standing and potency in this transformative field.
The central objective of NeuMat is to gather, nurture, and sustain a cohesive UK community specialising in novel neuromorphic hardware technologies for energy efficient AI.
Specific aims
• Foster and Educate the Community: Create an ecosystem of researchers at varying career stages, representing diverse scientific, ethnic, and gender backgrounds, and encompassing all geographic regions.
• Strengthen Academic-Industry Ties: Enhance collaboration between academia and the private sector.
• Catalyse Research & Development Funding: Initiate new funding proposals on subjects that emerge directly from idea cross-fertilisation within the network.
• Ensure Continuity: Build a cohort of early-career researchers and a long-term vision for the future beyond NeuMat.
Objectives
• Live Discussions: Host 5 (5) main (minor) meetings featuring leading international speakers.
• Student Internships: Offer 10 summer internships across various institutions.
• Educational Opportunities: Hold 3 Winter schools to provide in-depth education and training.
• Community Engagement: Advertise the network widely to the entire UK community.
• Public Education: Using professional videos, educate the UK public about the wide-ranging field of novel AI hardware.
• Create a Roadmap: Develop a roadmap titled “Materials and Devices Challenges for Novel AI and Neuromorphic Hardware.” This document will set the course for a subsequent network.
• Future Network: Document clear plans for a follow-on network, enabling successful continuity.
Target Deliverables
• Fostering Partnerships: Forge 15 new collaborations among diverse communities.
• Bridging Academia and Industry: Establish 10 fresh connections between academic institutions and industrial players to accelerate the development of device prototypes.
• Securing Funding: Attract £20M in funds from government and industry (UK and abroad).
• Training & Diversity: Train up to 50 PhD and postdoc researchers through Winter Schools, with an emphasis on including at least 20 individuals from diverse backgrounds in terms of gender, ethnicity, and geographical location.
• Nurturing Early Career Researchers: Create a self-sustaining cohort of over 50 early-career researchers, ensuring a future generation of talent in the field.
