Cognitive Science Speaker Series | Beyond Backpropagation of Errors: Predictive Coding and Biomimetic Intelligence

Event Image
A digital flyer for the Cognitive Science Speaker Series at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) features a talk titled "Beyond Backpropagation of Errors: Predictive Coding and Biomimetic Intelligence." The event is scheduled for March 21, 2025, from 12–1 p.m. in GAN-2070. ASL-English interpreters have been requested, and light refreshments will be provided.  The speaker is Alexander Ororbia, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at RIT. His headshot is displayed on the righ

Speaker: Alexander Ororbia, Ph.D.

Title: Beyond Backpropagation of Errors: Predictive Coding and Biomimetic Intelligence

Short Bio: Alex Ororbia is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science and Cognitive Science, affiliate Professor in Psychology, and affiliate Professor in Mathematics at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He also serves as the director of the Neural Adaptive Computing Laboratory. His research group investigates questions related to neurobiological credit assignment and develops mathematical models for spiking neuronal dynamics and synaptic plasticity, predictive coding, and active inference with applications in neurorobotic control.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is swiftly becoming one of the pivotal technologies of this century. Deep neural networks, trained by the backpropagation of errors algorithm, centrally drive many of AI’s impressive results. Nevertheless, the ubiquitous adoption of these kinds of models has highlighted some important limitations and practical shortcomings such as high energy inefficiency, lack of robustness, and biological implausibility. In addressing these issues, an interdisciplinary branch of AI research has emerged – biomimetic intelligence – which lies at the intersection of neuroscience, cognitive science, and machine learning, fostering the development of approaches motivated by neurocognitive theories. One such theory is known as predictive coding (PC), which has led to the development of a new class of computational neuronal models that have shown promising performance across various machine intelligence tasks.

ASL-English interpreters have been requested. Light refreshments will be provided.


Contact
Matthew Dye
Event Snapshot
When and Where
March 21, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Room/Location: GAN-2070
Who

Open to the Public

Interpreter Requested?

Yes

Topics
imaging science
research