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
- Gabriele Gratton
- Daniel Llano
Intelligent Systems working groups
- Alleyne investigates grasshopper wings to inspire robot design
- Grown from a seed: Beckman researchers receive $2.7M NIH grant to investigate effects of phthalate exposure on neurodevelopment
- Kramer visits Beckman Institute as senior fellow
- Beckman researchers address nuclear reactor safety, efficiency and regulatory independence
- Federmeier to deliver 2026 Dean’s Distinguished Lecture
- Beckman researchers link neuronal hyperactivity and broader tuning with altered sound processing
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology