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From silicon circuits to neural networks: How does Carle Technology's CNS program reshape computing science?
Since its establishment in 1986, Caltech's Computational and Neural Systems (CNS) program has attracted students and researchers interested in the relationship between brain operations and microelectronic circuits. The program was established to train doctoral students to explore the relationship between the structure of natural or artificial neuron circuits and the computations they perform, and to encourage the exchange of ideas and collaboration among engineers, neuroscientists and theorists.
This intersection of academics paves the way for the emerging fields of neurocomputing and neuroengineering.
Historical background
In the early 1980s, Carver Mead began to explore the similarities between brain computing and analog silicon circuit computing based on the development of large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI). Mead collaborated with John Hopfield to expand on his research, and the two scholars' first joint course, titled "The Physics of Computation," delved into the simulation of neural networks and neuronal structures. As interest from students and faculty grew, they decided to continue the theme and expand it into multiple courses.
Hopfield, Mead, and Richard Feynman founded the CNS program in 1986 as an interdisciplinary doctoral program focusing on neurobiology and electrical engineering, computer science, and A dialogue between physics.
The unifying theme of this program is the relationship between the physical structure of computing systems and the dynamics of their operation, as well as the computing problems they can efficiently solve.
Development and Achievements
Since its inception, the CNS program has attracted many outstanding faculty and students. Early founding professors included Cavo Mead, John Hopfield, David Van Essen, etc. Since 1990, approximately 110 graduate students have been awarded CNS PhDs, with approximately two-thirds of graduates choosing academic careers and the remainder founding or participating in start-up companies.
During this time, CNS program executives included Hopfield, Demetri Psaltis, Christof Koch, and Pietro Pietro Perona, while the current executive is Thanos Siapas.
Related conferences and workshops
CNS professors co-founded many important conferences and workshops, such as the "Snowbird Neural Network Computing Conference" in 1984 and the "Neural Information Processing Systems Conference" (NIPS) established in 1987. These activities promoted It has promoted extensive exchanges and cooperation in neuroscience research.
Related academic plans
In addition to the CNS program, Caltech has spawned several other important academic institutions, such as the Institute for Neuroinformatics in Zurich, Switzerland, and the Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computing in Jerusalem, Israel, which further promote the development of related research. .
Famous alumni
The CNS program has produced many alumni who have made outstanding achievements in the fields of neuroscience and computing. These include David J. C. MacKay, professor of natural philosophy at the University of Cambridge, Bruno Olshausen, director of the Redwood Theoretical Neuroscience Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and others.
The success of these alumni not only demonstrates the strength of the CNS program but also lays a solid foundation for future research.
From the history of the CNS program, we can see how cross-collaboration in the scientific community pushes the boundaries of knowledge, not only occupying a place in the fields of neuroscience and computing, but also playing an important role in the global research ecosystem. How will the CNS program continue to lead the development of this field in the future?
