Dr. Brokoslaw Laschowski is a computational neuroscientist. He works as a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator at the University Health Network—the largest research hospital in Canada—and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, with appointments in Neuroscience and Mechanical Engineering. He also serves as the Director of the Computational Neuroscience Lab, a leading multidisciplinary research lab that explores the intersection of neuroscience and machine learning. We caught up with him to learn about how he’s building an artificial brain.
What inspired you to pursue this field?
Prior to specializing in artificial intelligence during my PhD, I completed a master’s in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where I studied computational neuroscience. There, my research focused on developing mathematical and computational models to reverse-engineer how neural computations in the brain control and optimize human movement. However, these models didn’t include learning—a core aspect of intelligence.
How did you become interested in AI?
I then completed my doctorate in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo. My PhD research focused on deep learning for visual intelligence, modelling the visual information processing neural networks in the brain. These brain-inspired AI algorithms were used for autonomous robot control and decision-making.
What’s the best part of doing the type of research that you do?
The look on people’s faces when they hear I build artificial brains to allow robots to think and control themselves - Just kidding. Although I’m flattered that many people find our research interesting, my favourite part has been the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams spanning computer science, engineering, neuroscience, and psychology.
What outcomes do you hope your research will eventually lead to?
The long-term vision for his research program is to develop a computational understanding of intelligence in both biological and artificial brains—from neurons to circuits, algorithms, learning, and cognition.
Are you working on anything right now that you're really excited about?
I am the co-founder and director of the summer research program in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto for student refugees from Ukraine. This program is funded by the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. If any T-CAIREM members are interested in learning more about our research or in assisting students from Ukraine, please email me.
