Research applied to science
Johan Mentink explains, "While it's known that neuromorphic hardware is in principle more energy-efficient, there were no concrete measurements. We wondered: can we use scientific computing to assess how efficient and energy-efficient neuromorphic hardware truly is? Can we perform scientific calculations with this technology that were previously out of reach? Sacha Caron and I wanted to explore this for two use cases within our research at Radboud University: one in particle physics for anomaly detection and another in magnetism research. In essence, science itself then becomes the application of our research."
IBM and SURF
Radboud University already had connections with various IT companies through Mission 10x. "We presented our idea to these parties, and IBM was immediately enthusiastic about computational science as a concrete application," says Johan.
Additionally, SURF posed the question: what are your expectations for the future of supercomputing. How will that field look like in a few years, and what is already achievable? Johan explains, "SURF had developed a method for measuring the energy cost of a computer calculation. We could use that method. Together with Sacha Caron, Johan Kwisthout and Theo Rasing from RU and partners from UTwente, SURF en IBM, I then applied for a voucher from our faculty's Interdisciplinary Research Platform." The €50,000 voucher was granted, resulting in a scientific article and a workshop. But more importantly, it opened the door to successful follow-up projects.
IRP Voucher as a Stepping Stone
"I had plenty of ideas for research proposals on neuromorphic computing, but initially didn’t succeed to secure funding. There's a lot of pressure on excellence grants like the veni, vidi, vici. It's just very difficult to apply for funding for a new research field where you don't have a track record," Johan reflects.
The IRP voucher provided a solution. Johan elaborates, "With an IRP voucher project, you can develop the ideas you have on a smaller scale first. People are willing to get involved and give it a try. Although such a project is small-scale, you can establish a collaboration, gain experience leading an interdisciplinary research team, achieve results, and build a track record. You can then showcase that in a subsequent project application."
Expert Role
Armed with the experience from the IRP project, Mentink applied for a KIC subsidy. And successfully secured research funding of €1 million. The VIDI grant also became a reality; he could use the IRP project in the utilization part of the application. Johan emphasizes, "I'm very grateful for the support of the faculty and our collaborations. Without the contributions of all project members, the projects would never have been so successful Thanks to these projects, we have gained unique knowledge and experience, and we are recognized as experts in the field of applying neuromorphic computing in science". Looking ahead, there are plenty of plans. "To start, I want to organize a workshop next year on 'Killer applications for neuromorphic hardware.' This is already actively being researched for quantum computers, but I believe that we can definitely make as much progress with neuromorphic computers!"
IRP Voucher call 2025
During the IRP Symposium, the IRP voucher call 2025 will be announced.
Register now!