Key Research Areas
1. Bionics, bio-inspired wave computers, neuromorphic models
The four disciplinary foundations of bionics: molecular biology, electromagnetism and photonics (including quantum electrodynamics), neuroscience, and the fundamentals of computer science and electronics. The devices and processes that constitute the bionics product portfolio are developed based on this combination. Their design is of key importance. Currently, these mainly include: lab-on-a-chip, biological mapping devices, bionic interfaces, prosthetics, diagnostics and therapy using electromagnetic waves, implantable bionic symbioses such as cardiac and brain pacemakers, drug delivery devices, etc. The interaction between living cells and artificial waves and electromagnetic fields may be important in all of these. Classical and structural bioinformatics, proteomics.
Artificial devices for sensing, computation, navigation, and intervention, inspired by biological functioning. A sensor-wave computer may be part of the implementation.
Quantitative, neuromorphic modeling of specific parts of nervous systems, validated by measurements.
For these topics, studying the information technology of living systems is mandatory.
2. Computing based on kilo-processor chips, analog computers for sensing and actuation, virtual cellular computers
In these topics, research focuses on understanding the physical operation of sensors, processors, memories, transmission devices, and displays—as well as the systems built from them—and on developing design methods, with particular emphasis on systems constructed from nanoelectronic devices and synthesized from molecules.
This also includes design issues related to 80–180-nanometer CMOS integrated circuits.
The architecture of these systems is generally cellular, supplemented by a classical processor; the mathematical models of the devices are nonlinear both in the nanoscale and in the molecular world, so the "Cellular Nonlinear Network" (CNN) paradigm plays an important role.
Building on the physics of these new devices, our primary objective is to conduct research into design methods for integrated systems. The physical foundations in the nanoscale go beyond the framework of classical physics, and the role of quantum effects is fundamental. Therefore, in addition to electromagnetic field theory and solid-state physics, proficiency must also be acquired in the fundamentals of quantum physics and quantum chemistry and the related technologies.
The electronic application of nanotechnologies opens up new horizons even before the electronic implementation of principles derived from molecular biology’s information systems. Successfully harnessing quantum effects, meanwhile, points to the possibility of realizing quantum computers.
3. The feasibility of electronic and optical devices, molecular and nanotechnologies, nanoarchitectures, and diagnostic and therapeutic tools of nanobionics
It prepares students to understand the physical operation of sensors, processors, memories, transmission devices, and displays, as well as the systems built from them, and to develop design methods, with particular emphasis on systems constructed from nanoelectronic devices and synthesized from molecules.
The architecture of these systems is primarily, though not exclusively, cellular; the mathematical models of the devices are nonlinear both in the nanoscale and in the molecular world, so the “Cellular Nonlinear Network” (CNN) paradigm can play an important role.
Building on the physics of new devices in information technology and bionics and on circuit theory, the group considers research into design methods for integrated systems to be its primary objective, with particular emphasis on modeling and simulation algorithms that aid in design. In this field, in addition to the fundamentals of theoretical electrical engineering and materials science, the technical applications of quantum electrodynamics are also important.
Our goal is to develop software systems that support the use of newly emerging multiprocessor architectures and algorithms that underpin engineering design. We see it as our task to advance the new possibilities of nanotechnologies and cryotechnologies through the study of the emerging field of Circuit QED. This will provide new insights into the feasibility of new sensor systems, cryptography, and computers and quantum processors operating on new principles in information technology. In the field of bionics, the study of technical quantum electrodynamics facilitates the understanding of open questions in quantum biology.
4. Human Language Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Telepresence
A common feature of the topics in this area is the integration of human perception and cognitive abilities into algorithmic solutions for problems in telecommunications, language technology, and various areas of understanding. We address both major branches of language technology: the efficient processing of information in human language, as well as the cognitive aspects of both human language production and comprehension, which largely fall outside the areas currently in the focus of modern language technology. In the latter area, we strive to integrate the results of other research conducted within our department to the best of our ability (parallel processing, brain research, bioinformatics, etc.). The two main research directions in language technology at our department are the automatic processing of noisy texts (primarily medical reports and clinical patient records) with the aim of creating an intelligent cognitive representation, and the machine implementation of a psycholinguistically motivated model of human text processing.
5. Research on In-Vehicle Navigation Systems
Main research areas of in-vehicle navigation systems:
- Specialized image processing architectures and algorithms
- Fusion of visual and radar systems and related architectures
- Integrated sensor-processing and intervention systems and solutions
- Location-based and navigation-based services and procedures
- Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication
Long-term strategic plans
- Expansion of the research network through the involvement of additional European universities and institutes
- Successful development and implementation of an ADAS-themed R&D framework within the framework of EU programs, in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners
- Expansion of research through the involvement of U.S. universities (e.g., University of California, Berkeley, and/or University of Notre Dame)
At the end of the fourth semester—as the conclusion of the training and research phase and as a prerequisite for beginning the research and dissertation phase—students must pass a comprehensive exam that assesses and evaluates their academic and research progress. The theoretical part of the comprehensive exam consists of two subjects: a major and a minor. Lectures and the literature are largely in English.
At the recommendation of the advisor, the Doctoral School Council approves students’ individual study plans each semester.
- The minimum publication requirement is at least two articles published in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed foreign-language journals in the field.
- A language proficiency exam in English at the intermediate (B2) level (Type C) is a prerequisite for obtaining the degree.
- The comprehensive exam is held at the end of the 4th semester; the exam consists of two parts: the theoretical portion may be retaken during the exam period, while the dissertation portion may not be retaken; a failing grade in the dissertation portion automatically terminates doctoral studies.
- Students have until the end of the first year following the date of issuance of the certificate of completion to successfully defend their dissertation.
- The first University Doctoral Habilitation Council meeting following the successful public defense of the dissertation decides on the successful conferral of the degree.
- We organize a public doctoral conferral ceremony once a year on Pázmány Day.
