NSF-BSF:efri begin OI: integrated human brain organoid systems for adaptive reservoir computing

Active Project Grant Awarded Last action

Award ID
2422149
Recipient
Awarding agency
Obligated
$450,000

Award facts

Assistance listing
47.049 Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Completion date 54% complete
Funding agency
Division of Materials Research National Science Foundation
Place of performance
Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

Description

Abstract
The demand for powerful and energy-efficient artificial intelligence (AI) is growing rapidly. Current AI hardware, which uses silicon chips, struggles to meet these needs for advanced AI models. This emerging frontiers in research and integration (efri) project will develop innovative computing systems inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. Specifically, the project will create advanced human brain organoids (hbos). These are miniature 3D models of the human brain grown from stem cells in a lab dish. They contain various types of brain cells that organize themselves into structures resembling parts of the developing human brain. Hbos can process information and perform computations in ways that parallel the human brain's capabilities. This efri research will integrate multiple hbos with different arrangements and connections to develop new computing architectures that are highly efficient in terms of energy consumption and computing power. In addition, bioethicists will collaborate closely with engineering researchers at each step of the project to study ethical considerations related to public acceptance and oversight of HBO computing. This efri begin OI project will develop an HBO-based biocomputing system that integrates neuromorphic computing theory, bioengineered hbos, and critical bioethical research. IT will advance theoretical concepts in biocomputing with human cortical neural networks by designing optimal neural networks and implementing adaptive learning mechanisms. The research will explore how factors like excitatory-inhibitory balanced networks, connectivity density, and network scale affect the computational capacity of hbos. Additionally, the project will develop bioengineered multi-HBO systems with organized hbos containing excitatory and inhibitory neuron populations in local microcircuits. These novel hbos will interface with electronics to achieve real-time read-in and read-out of neuronal activity, leveraging the adaptive learning properties inherent in hbos. This effort represents a critical step toward developing neuromorphic computing hardware capable of achieving superior computing power with low energy consumption. Importantly, the efri research will also address bioethical challenges associated with HBO-based biocomputing by refining an innovative approach to engineering ethics. IT will ensure alignment with evolving standards in AI and biomedical research ethics, engaging policymakers and ethical committees to navigate the complex landscape of human biomaterial use in computing applications and fostering public trust and acceptance. Educational efforts within the efri project will reach diverse student populations, including k-12 and underrepresented groups, nurturing interest in stem and biological research. Outreach activities will engage students in both the US and israel with stem challenges and offer interdisciplinary training opportunities for graduate students in both countries. This project is jointly funded by the emerging frontiers in research and innovation program (begin OI), the directorate for computer and information science and engineering, and the directorate for mathematical and physical sciences. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.

Transactions

Action Obligated Date
Amendment $225,000
Original award $225,000

Subawards

Subrecipient Amount Awarded
Trustees Of Indiana University The overall goal of the subcontract led by the co-PI Guo group is to validate and optimize the proposed multiple human brain organoid system (established in Aim… $887,555
Museum Of Science In this subcontract, we will refine a novel approach to engineering ethics first developed by Hyun for bioengineered organoids. During this research, we will… $40,942

Quick answers

Who received award 2422149?

2422149 was awarded to Regents Of The University Of Michigan by Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (National Science Foundation) on September 1, 2024.

How much is award 2422149 worth?

$450,000 has been obligated on 2422149.

Which agency awarded 2422149?

Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (National Science Foundation) awarded 2422149, with funding from Division of Materials Research (National Science Foundation).

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