A new research center, the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, has been launched at the House of Lords on October 21st, led by Aston University’s Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT). The initiative is a consortium of seven universities and 22 non-academic partners, with the aim to tackle the issue of massive energy consumption by data centers in the UK.
Neuromorphic computing seeks to replicate the brain’s functions and structure in order to develop future computing systems. The lack of a deep, system-level understanding of how the human organ computes at cellular and network scales has been a challenge for scientists. The researchers within the consortium will address this challenge by combining stem-cell-derived human neuron experiments with advanced computational models, development of new materials, low-power algorithms, and novel photonic hardware.
At the launch event, speakers from politics and science shared their perspectives on the importance of this initiative. A message from the Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, Lord Patrick Vallance, was also delivered to the guests. He emphasized the potential of neuromorphic computing to transform the way AI operates, inspired by the brain’s remarkable energy efficiency. He also highlighted the issue of massive energy use by data centers, which currently accounts for 2.5% of the UK’s electricity and is projected to rise significantly with further advances in AI.
The UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing has received £5.6 million funding over four years from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). However, its director, Professor Sergei Turitsyn, expressed his ambition for the center to be financially sustainable beyond its initial funding period and to put the UK at the forefront of neuromorphic computing research.
The center will be led by the AIPT and will include world-leading researchers from Aston University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Southampton, Queen Mary University of London, Loughborough University, and the University of Strathclyde. It will also be supported by a network of industry partners, including Microsoft Research, Thales, BT, QinetiQ, Nokia Bell Labs, Hewlett Packard Labs, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman, and several small to medium enterprises.
The issue of water use in data centers was also discussed at the event, with government figures showing that data centers use about 2.5% of the UK’s electricity and demand enormous energy and water resources. Lord Vallance stressed the importance of managing this and innovating to achieve clean energy and net-zero ambitions.
About Aston University
Aston University has a history of over 130 years, with a focus on education, research, and innovation to make a positive impact on society. Its vision is to be a leading university for science, technology, and enterprise, measured by its impact on people, students, businesses, and communities it serves.
The university’s research focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
Aston University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, as well as continuing professional development solutions. Its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students has led to its recognition as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond within a rapidly changing world.
