Intelligent Systems research theme
Exploring intelligence in all its forms
Individual cells are important building blocks of intelligence. So are the computers that assist humans each day with everyday functions like playing music, drafting emails and even controlling systems in their homes and offices.
Intelligent Systems members study how the brain works by exploring functions like cognition, language acquisition, memory, emotion, vision, decision-making and aging. Some start with the cellular and molecular aspects of the brain. Others look at how biological systems work together, resulting in human behaviors and emotions. Still more are delving into computational methods, including artificial intelligence and how humans interact with it.
Exploring intelligence in all its forms
Individual cells are important building blocks of intelligence. So are the computers that assist humans each day with everyday functions like playing music, drafting emails and even controlling systems in their homes and offices.
Intelligent Systems members study how the brain works by exploring functions like cognition, language acquisition, memory, emotion, vision, decision-making and aging. Some start with the cellular and molecular aspects of the brain. Others look at how biological systems work together, resulting in human behaviors and emotions. Still more are delving into computational methods, including artificial intelligence and how humans interact with it.
Psychologists, engineers, magnetic resonance imaging experts, biologists and others are working together to use Beckman’s cutting-edge core facilities and other tools they’ve developed to dig into the nature of intelligence – both artificial and biological.
Recent breakthroughs include better understanding of how emotion enhances memory and reading for pleasure can strengthen memory in older adults. They’re improving speech recognition technology for people with disabilities and measuring information processing through electrical signals in the brain.
Co-chairs
- Daniel Llano
Intelligent Systems working groups
- Beckman researchers find new brain region involved in scene memory, navigation
- McKechnie Family LIFE Home, directed by Beckman researcher, celebrates fifth anniversary
- Beckman-based postdoctoral research associate Trinklein receives prestigious grant
- Beckman researcher receives NIH Director’s New Innovator Award
- Illinois Kids Development Study finds effects of chemical exposure on cognitive development
- Beckman announces 2026 graduate fellows
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology