FET-Proactive

 

FP7: FET Proactive Intiative: Unconventional Computation (UComp)

NEWS:

WHAT IS "Unconventional Computation" (UComp)


Work Programme 2001-2012 - Objective ICT-2011 9.6

Nature (e.g. living cells), and our physical environment in general, show many unconventional ways of information processing, such as those based on (bio-)chemical, natural, wetware, DNA, molecular, amorphous, reversible, analogue computing, etc. These are generally very sophisticated, ingenious and highly effective for specific purposes, but sufficient knowledge (either from a theoretical or an engineering perspective) to properly exploit, mimic, or adapt these systems, is lacking.

Objective

The objective is to develop alternative approaches for situations or problems that are challenging or impossible to solve with conventional methods and models of computation (i.e. von Neumann, Turing). Typical examples include computing in vivo, and performing massively parallel computation.

The focus of this objective is beyond existing initiatives (e.g. Quantum ICT, Neuro-IT and Brain-Inspired ICT).

Target outcomes

Foundations for a radically new kind of information processing technology based on unconventional paradigms. The proposed concept should be developed within the framework of a broader, long-term vision on its potential implementation and impact.

Projects should

- pursue information processing, respecting the link between computation and the physico-chemical properties of its embodiment.
- strengthen the theoretical foundations in the area, keeping a strong focus on their potential application in (future) systems and devices.
- demonstrate key steps towards physical information processing systems, including appropriate construction, organisation, adaptation and operation methodologies.
- develop an appropriate interface to conventional IT systems and devices, wherever relevant

Expected impact

  • Foundations, approaches and proofs of concept for radically new kinds of computation.
  • Possible contributions beyond the area of ICT (e.g. health, environment or security).
  • Global international research cooperation in this area, in particular with participants from the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.

Funding schemes

  • STREP

Indicative budget

  • €15 million

Extract ICT-FET in the FP7 Work Programme 2011-2012 ( 240KB), including the specific "FET eligibility, evaluation, selection and award criteria".

TIMETABLE ICT FP7 Call

 

PROJECTS FUNDED

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

EVENTS

  • 7th International Workshop on Developments of Computational Models (DCM) - 3rd July 2011- Zürich (CH)
    DCM 2011 will be a one-day satellite event of ICALP 2011.
    Topics of interest include all abstract models of computation and their properties, and their applications to the development of programming languages and systems:
    - quantum computation, including implementations and formal methods in quantum protocols;
    - probabilistic computation and verification in modeling situations;
    - chemical, biological and bio-inspired computation, including spatial models, self-assembly, growth models;
    - general concurrent models including the treatment of mobility, trust, and security;
    - information-theoretic ideas in computing;
    - comparisons of different models of computations.
  • ICALP 2011, July 4-8, Zürich (CH):The 38th International Colloquium on Automata, Languages and Programming, the main conference and annual meeting of the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science (EATCS).

CONTACT