Major UK Centre for Neuromorphic Computing
Loughborough University Researchers at the Heart of New UK Flagship Centre for Neuromorphic Computing.
Loughborough University is set to play a major role in the newly established UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, a national flagship initiative that will pioneer brain-inspired, energy-efficient computing technologies for the future. Funded with £5.6 million from UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the centre brings together world-leading expertise from across the physical, biological and computational sciences.
The centre will act as a national hub for collaboration and innovation in neuromorphic computing — a rapidly growing field that takes inspiration from the structure and function of the human brain to develop sustainable, high-performance computing systems. Addressing one of the grand challenges of our time, the initiative will tackle the escalating global energy demands of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructures.
Led by Aston University, the centre draws together researchers from Loughborough, Oxford, Cambridge, Southampton, Strathclyde, Queen Mary University of London, and a wide network of industrial and policy partners. At its core lies an ambitious, interdisciplinary research vision that uniquely integrates human stem-cell-derived neuronal models, advanced computational paradigms, low-power AI algorithms, photonic hardware, and materials chemistry.
Loughborough University’s contribution is central to this multidisciplinary collaboration. Building on its longstanding strengths in neuro-engineering, biomaterials, microfabrication, and stem cell technologies, the university will lead key aspects of the research programme, developing next-generation neuromorphic systems inspired by human biology. This includes the use of cutting-edge induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technologies to create human neurons, enabling unprecedented insights into brain-like computation and facilitating the co-design of novel computing architectures.
Dr Eric Hill, Programme Director for Natural Sciences at Loughborough,
“Our work with human stem cell-derived neurons is central to this project’s multidisciplinary approach. By integrating biological, physical, and computational sciences, we’re helping to develop brain-inspired systems that will deliver energy-efficient, scalable solutions for complex data processing.”
The centre’s wider ambition is to create a sustainable UK research ecosystem, combining fundamental science with translational impact. Alongside its academic collaborators, Loughborough will work closely with a broad network of industry partners — including Microsoft Research, Thales, BT, QinetiQ, Nokia Bell Labs, Hewlett Packard Labs, Leonardo, and Northrop Grumman — ensuring that scientific advances translate into real-world societal and industrial benefits.
The Centre’s dedicated website is here – save this on your home screen as you’ll see lots of updates.
Beyond its immediate technological goals, the centre aims to cultivate a long-term interdisciplinary research community, positioning the UK at the global forefront of neuromorphic computing research.
Professor Paul Roach, Professor of Biomaterials and Interface Science at Loughborough, said:
“Loughborough is extremely well-placed to drive interdisciplinary research in neuro-engineering. This centre builds on our expertise spanning stem cell technologies, materials chemistry, and microfabrication. Our ambition is to help position the UK as a world leader in neuromorphic computing.”