Title: Brain-Inspired Computing

Date: Wednesday, May 11th, 2022, 16.00-17.00GR

Speaker: Dr Angeliki Pantazi, IBM Research-Zurich

Zoom link  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87907105809

Abstract: Biological neural networks are equipped with unique temporal dynamics and an inherent capability to continuously adapt through online learning, both enabling them to perform intelligent tasks unattainable yet by today’s AI systems.  Next-generation computing technologies focus on power- and area-efficient architectures and learning systems that are inspired by the structure and the functioning principles of the brain. This talk will provide an overview of the state of the art in the area of brain-inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). The neuronal dynamics of spiking neurons and the learning algorithms for SNNs will be presented, with emphasis on the so-called Spiking Neural Unit (SNU). The SNU is a novel neuron formulation that translates the biologically-inspired neural dynamics into deep learning. Remarkably, these biological insights enabled SNU-based deep learning to even surpass the state-of-the-art performance while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency of AI systems. Finally, novel biologically-inspired online learning will be presented that is essential for low-power, accurate and reliable operation of brain-inspired computing.

Short Bio: Angeliki Pantazi is a Principal Research Staff Member and a Research Manager at the IBM Research – Zurich in Switzerland. She received her Diploma and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Technology from the University of Patras, Greece. Since 2006, she is a Research Staff Member in IBM Research – Zurich and currently she is managing the Neuromorphic Computing and I/O Links group. She was named IBM Master Inventor in 2014 and became a senior member of the IEEE in 2015 and a Fellow of IFAC in 2019. She was a co-recipient of the 2009 IEEE Control Systems Technology Award, the 2009 IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology Outstanding Paper Award and the 2014 IFAC Industrial Achievement Award. In 2017, she received an IBM Corporate Award and the IEEE Control Systems Society Transition to Practice Award. She has published over 100 refereed articles and holds over 40 granted patents.