JUNCA

Facilitating networking for researchers in the field of neuromorphic computing at Jülich and thereby advancing the (strategic) development of neuro-inspired computing methods as well as computer architectures is the overall goal of Jülich Neuromorphic Computing Alliance (JUNCA).

About

Neuromorphic Computing (NC) is an interdisciplinary ecosystem and involves a diverse set of disciplines, including neuroscience, materials science, computer science, electrical engineering, and physics. Research in these disciplines is already conducted at Forschungszentrum Jülich and the links between them were strengthened with the establishement of PGI-14 (Neuromorphic Compute Nodes) and PGI-15 (Neuromorphic Software Ecosystems). The work in the field of NC in Forschungszentrum Jülich is organized in two of the programs of the Research Field Information of the Helmholtz Association, in the Joint Lab Supercomputing and Modeling for the Human Brain, and several third-party funded projects. As part of JUNCA, the experts and early-career scientists working in the NC field can better coordinate collaborative activities and can establish efficient communication, as well as an overall strategy between the different groups. In other words, the activities of several institutes in Forschungszentrum Jülich in the field of NC are to be bundled in JUNCA.

Objectives

The core mission of JUNCA is to advance Neuromorphic Computing and implement its functionality for science, industry and society, as well as the internal and external dissemination of the interdisciplinary research field of NC.

The main objectives of JUNCA are to:

coordinate and organize interdisciplinary scientific exchange and networking activities (e.g., tutorials, seminars, retreats, joint conferences) to connect all relevant practitioners in NC
link complementary efforts in NC at Forschungszentrum Jülich between institutes and institute divisions
facilitate the strategic orientation of Forschungszentrum Jülich's competencies and potentials in the field of NC and strengthen the foundational research in NC in close cooperation with the Board of Directors
continue the roadmap process for NC at Forschungszentrum Jülich
increase the visibility of NC within Forschungszentrum Jülich and create a strong and effective brand of NC at Forschungszentrum Jülich to the outside world (e.g., through a website and coordinated public relations work)
develop a coordinated stakeholder management in the direction of politics, industry, and society and support technology transfer (e.g., assist in the incubation of start-up companies)
facilitate the development and production of prototype systems and testbeds in regular intervals
provide a platform for members to discuss common goals, incubate new project ideas, and enhance scientific exchange