A COST Action has created a major research community for a young technology that could underpin future artificial intelligence – memristors. The network has generated over 100 scientific breakthroughs as well as new projects, while fast-tracking opportunities for young researchers.
Collaboration in the COST Action ‘Memristors – Devices, Models, Circuits, Systems and Applications’ (MemoCiS) has led to innovations such as new algorithms, testing models and applications. Notable applications include a camera that processes images similarly to human vision, a sensor that detects early-stage prostate cancer from a blood test and a testing platform for a spin-off, ARC Instruments, that helps multinationals to develop memristor-based devices.
Over 160 participants from 24 countries in or near Europe joined forces to progress the technology in MemoCiS. “We have created the largest memristor research community in the world,” says the Action Chair, Professor Julius Georgiou of the University of Cyprus.
“Memristors are a means to create low-cost, extremely compact information processors in hardware,” Georgiou adds. Memristors store much more information than transistors – the established data-processing technology – and can self-organise like neurons in the brain. They could underpin innovations ranging from intelligent healthcare solutions to advanced electronic platforms that can be deployed in remote environments.
Participants in the Action have also strengthened the future of memristor research. They have secured Horizon 2020 funding for new projects – RAMP, SYNCH and NEURAM – founded the world’s first international conference on memristive technology, and fostered dozens of emerging young scientists.
“The Action is an excellent opportunity for Europe to become the world leader in hardware for artificial intelligence,” Georgiou acknowledges.
High-level showcase
One young researcher, Ioulia Tzouvadaki, achieved a string of successes through the network, which she joined while doing her PhD.
During a MemoCiS research placement, she developed the prostate cancer sensor. “This is less painful than current tests and detects the cancer biomarkers at the most treatable stages,” she says.
Collaboration with other MemoCiS participants encouraged Tzouvadaki both to go to Stanford University, USA as a postdoctorate fellow in 2018 and to successfully apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellowship at Southampton University in the United Kingdom, working with Professor Themis Prodromakis from February 2019.
“The Action inspired me to think big,” she says. “I went to Stanford to replicate the high-level experience. Its good dynamic and the opportunity to meet Themis and a team with common interests also led to my Marie Skłodowska-Curie application.”
At Southampton, Tzouvadaki will translate research into commercial applications with Professor Prodromakis, who is leading research on metal-oxide memristors and applications. His group is a partner in RAMP and SYNCH and has secured major national grants, while ARC Instruments is his initiative.
“MemoCiS was about sharing know-how and experience,” he says. “The community has grown massively and showcased European expertise.”
View the Action: https://www.cost.eu/actions/IC1401
View the Network website: www.memocis.eu