Project description
Control theory for trustworthy deep and federated learning
A solid mathematical foundation is essential for advancing next-generation Al. The ERC-funded CoDeFeL project is developing the theory needed to turn today's black-box learning algorithms into predictable, controllable and resource-aware dynamical systems. It combines control theory with deep and federated learning to establish rigorous design principles and analyse the dynamics of residual neural networks, which use shortcut connections to improve training stability and efficiency. CoDeFeL targets four key goals: predictability through convergence analysis, efficiency under computational and energy constraints, reliability via stabilisation and control mechanisms, and privacy in distributed, data-sensitive settings. These foundations support advanced developments including robustness, interpretability, and applications in digital medicine and recommendation systems.
Objective
Machine Learning (ML) is forging a new era in Applied Mathematics (AM), leading to innovative and powerful methods. But the need for theoretical guarantees generates challenging, fundamental, deep mathematical questions.
This great challenge can be addressed from the perspective of other, more mature areas of AM. CoDeFeL seeks to do so from the rich interface between Control Theory (CT) and ML, contributing to the analytical foundations of ML methods, significantly enlarging, and updating the range of applications of CT.
As our recent results show, classification, regression, and prediction problems in Supervised Learning (SL) and the Universal Approximation Theorem can be successfully recast as the simultaneous or ensemble controllability property of Residual Neural Networks (ResNets). Following this path, we will develop ResNets of minimal complexity and cost, addressing the deep, intricate issue of linking the structure of the data set to be classified with the dynamics of the networks trained.
Taking the turnpike principle as our inspiration, we will build new simplified ResNet architectures. This, however, raises major challenges for the genuinely nonlinear dynamics that ResNets represent.Adjoint methods will also be developed and applied, to understand the sensitivity of ResNets, and proposing techniques for Adversarial Training and computing Saliency Maps, applicable in Unsupervised Learning.
The project is strongly inspired on the challenges arising in relevant applications in digital medicine and internet recommendation systems, among other areas. Accordingly, we will also develop a body of rich, hybrid, cutting-edge methods for data-aware modelling, combining ResNet surrogate models and those inspired on Mechanics, with the aid of Model Predictive Control strategies. New Federated Learning methodologies with privacy preservation guarantees will also be developed.
The computational counterparts will be brought together in a new CoDeFeL GitHub repository.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning supervised learning
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-ADG
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91058 Erlangen
Germany
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