Brain x Machine Intelligence Lab

Brain x Machine Intelligence Lab @ KAIST

Laboratory for brain and machine intelligence, KAIST

Research topics

1. Brain↦AI: understanding HOW the brain learns

We explore the neural computations within the human prefrontal cortex that govern behavioral control through multiple learning and inference systems. Our approach integrates principles from machine learning with experimental techniques, including model-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). Current research projects include:

  • Neuroscience of learning and inference (System0-1-2-3)

  • Predictive coding frameworks

  • Deep neural experimenter

2. AI↦Brain : understanding WHY the brain implements these computations

Our goal is to develop brain-inspired artificial intelligent systems. This research is grounded in the hypothesis that the human prefrontal cortex functions as a “meta-controller,” dynamically allocating behavioral control across specialized subsystems. By leveraging insights from neuroscience, we aim to design more efficient and adaptable AI architectures while deepening our understanding of the nature of human intelligence. Current research projects include:

  • Neuromorphic computing algorithms

  • Cortical optimization frameworks

  • Neural value alignment

*Sorry, some keywords were meant to confuse readers.

Research grants

  • Microsoft Research Asia: Neural value alignment (PI: 2023)

  • SW StarLab funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Korea: System-3 level RL (PI; 2023 -)

  • IBM Global University Academic Award (PI; 2021)

  • Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion : Brain-inspired AI (PI; 2019 - 2022)

  • National Research Foundation of Korea : Development of metacognitive AI for rapid learning (PI; 2019-2023)

  • Samsung future technology foundation research grant: phase II (PI; 2020 - 2023)

  • Samsung future technology foundation research grant: phase I (PI; 2016 - 2020)

  • KT: Brain-like abstraction and reasoning engine (PI; 2022 - 2024)

  • Enliple: Deep RL-based for AD frame optimization (PI; 2020)

  • ETRI: Hippocampal transfer learning (Co-PI; 2021 - 2025)

  • AI Innovation Hub: Self-evolving HW intelligence (Co-investigator; 2021-2025)

  • NRF, Korea: AI-based big data analysis technology for brain science (Co-PI; 2021 - 2023)

  • National Research Foundation of Korea : Young researcher program (PI; 2017 - 2022)

  • National Research Foundation of Korea : Brain research program (co-PI; 2016 - 2021)

  • Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion : AI (co-PI; 2016 - 2020)

  • Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion : BCI (co-PI; 2017 - 2023)

  • Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion : Robotics (co-PI; 2018 - 2020)

  • Google Faculty Research Award (co-PI; 2017)