CHRIS
ELIASMITH
BASc
1994,
Systems
Design
Engineering
MA
1995,
Philosophy
Abstract: In the past few years, there has been a surge of international interest in building large brain models. However, most of these models don't demonstrate how the brain can be used to control behaviour -- arguably the purpose of it. Chris Eliasmith will discuss his recent work on brain modeling that is focused on both biological realism and reproducing human behaviour. He will talk about the applications of his research for helping understand brain disorders and producing the next generation of intelligent machines.
Bio: Chris Eliasmith is the Director of the Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo and holds a Canada Research Chair in Theoretical Neuroscience. His lab’s research and development of currently the world’s largest functional brain model has been published in Science, a well-respected industry journal. The brain model has also been featured by CNN, BBC, Der Spiegel, Popular Science, and CBC. Chris has authored or co-authored two books and over 100 publications in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and engineering venues. He also recently co-hosted a Discovery channel show on emerging technologies.