Objective
I propose a new paradigm in emergent adaptive matter: physical learning in dynamical systems, where physical systems autonomously adapt to changing environments through local, scalable learning processes. While physical learning was recently demonstrated in equilibrium systems, we still lack a framework for how matter can learn time-dependent tasks, such as prediction, control, and synchronization. Bridging this gap would unlock the ability to design materials and networks that learn dynamical tasks autonomously and efficiently, as if they were machine learning algorithms.
Imagine a soft robotic material that learns to walk by adapting its internal structure, not through programming, but through physical interaction with its environment. Or a living flow network like Physarum that learns to navigate and reroute resources based on changing stimuli. These are examples of dynamical learning, where both the system’s behavior and its structure evolve over time. Understanding how such systems learn could transform our approach to smart materials, neuromorphic computing, and biological physics. Building on my foundational work in equilibrium physical learning, I will develop a novel contrastive learning theory for dynamical systems, empowering diverse physical networks to learn time-dependent functions by locally contrasting dynamical trajectories. This approach reveals how physical learning emerges as a collective, non-equilibrium phenomenon, with non-reciprocity and structural adaptation as essential resources. In this project I aim to (1) identify optimal local learning rules and feedback protocols for dynamical systems, (2) understand and control the emergence of non-reciprocal interactions that balance learning efficiency, expressiveness, and energy consumption, and (3) enable networks to self-optimize their geometry and topology through unsupervised structural adaptation.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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.
Funding Scheme
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.
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
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3526 KV Utrecht
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.