Thomas Nowotny

Thomas Nowotny is a Professor of Informatics at the University of Sussex, School of Engineering and Informatics. He is Co-Director of Sussex AI and Head of the AI Research Group, with a research focus on computational neuroscience and bio-inspired artificial intelligence. His work bridges theoretical neuroscience with practical applications in machine learning, neuromorphic computing, and robotics.

His primary research interests include:

• Spiking Neural Networks and neuromorphic computing
• GPU acceleration of brain simulations (GeNN framework)
• Information processing in insect olfactory systems
• Machine learning for electronic noses
• Bio-mimetic controllers for autonomous robots
• Hybrid computer-brain experimentation

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in developing and applying advanced computational methods to model biological neural systems, particularly in insects, and leveraging these models to advance energy-efficient AI. Key themes include gradient learning in spiking networks, neural mechanisms of navigation and olfaction, and high-performance simulation tools. His work frequently appears in top journals such as Nature Machine Intelligence, Nature Communications, and Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience.

Nowotny has secured significant research funding from major bodies including EPSRC, BBSRC, the European Union (Human Brain Project), Leverhulme Trust, and HFSP. His grants support projects on embodied cognition, neuromorphic computing, insect-inspired navigation, and memory consolidation.

He leads a research group, supervises students, and is actively involved in the global computational neuroscience community as President of the Organization for Computational Neuroscience (OCNS). His technical contributions include the development of the GeNN simulation framework and associated tools like PyGeNN and Brian2GeNN, which enable efficient GPU-accelerated neural network simulations.