Open promotes the exploration of radically new ideas and trends for future research and innovation and provides sustained support to emerging areas that require long-term fundamental research. FET-Open welcomes submission of proposal ideas for long-term visionary research related to ICT, of the collaborative research project (STREPs) or coordination action (CAs) type.
Objective ICT-2011 9.6: FET Proactive: Unconventional Computation (UCOMP)
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.
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.
Call
FP7-ICT-2011-8
