On Saturday, October 25th, 2025, the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) officially launched the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing at the House of Lords. The consortium, led by Aston University, consists of seven universities and 22 non-academic partners. The initiative aims to address the significant energy consumption of data centres in the UK by utilizing neuromorphic computing, which seeks to replicate the brain’s functions and structure and apply that knowledge to develop future computing systems.
Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, delivered a message to the launch guests, stating that the centre could be key to tackling the issue of massive energy use by data centres. The current government figures show that data centres consume about 2.5% of the UK’s electricity, with this figure projected to rise significantly with further advances in AI. Lord Vallance also emphasized the potential of neuromorphic computing to transform how AI operates and contribute to clean energy and net-zero ambitions.
The centre, which received £5.6 million funding over four years from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is directed by Professor Sergei Turitsyn of AIPT. He spoke about his ambition for the centre to be financially sustainable beyond its initial funding period and how it will put the UK at the forefront of neuromorphic computing research. The centre will be supported by a network of industry partners, including Microsoft Research, Thales, BT, QinetiQ, Nokia Bell Labs, and more.
Neuromorphic computing combines stem-cell-derived human neuron experiments with advanced computational models, development of new materials, low-power algorithms, and novel photonic hardware to understand the brain’s computing at cellular and network scales. The consortium of seven universities, including 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, will work together to tackle this challenge.
Professor Turitsyn stated that the ultimate goal is to build a new UK brand in neuromorphic computing and work closely with the recently funded UK network project NeuMat and the Innovation and Knowledge Centre Neuroware. He also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the involvement of researchers from different disciplines.
Aston University, which has a history of over 130 years, aims to be a leading university for science, technology, and enterprise, with a focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions. It has been recognized as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025 and is ranked second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index) and top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
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