معرفی
Risto Miikkulainen is a Professor of Computer Science and Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin and VP of AI Research at Cognizant AI Lab. He directs the UTCS Neural Networks Research Group and is currently on leave from UT, working on Evolutionary Computation and Deep Learning at Sentient Technologies, Inc.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, UCLA, 1990
- M.S. in Applied Mathematics, Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University), 1986
Risto Miikkulainen's research focuses on biologically-inspired computation such as neural networks and evolutionary computation. His work spans three main areas: (1) Neuroevolution, evolving complex deep learning architectures and recurrent neural networks for sequential decision tasks in robotics, games, and artificial life; (2) Cognitive Science, developing models of natural language processing, memory, and learning that shed light on disorders such as schizophrenia and aphasia; and (3) Computational Neuroscience, studying the development, structure, and function of the visual cortex, episodic memory, and language processing. His research combines theoretical understanding of biological information processing with practical applications for developing intelligent artificial systems.
His recent publications (2025) show a strong focus on evolutionary approaches to AI development, particularly in neural architecture search, loss function optimization, and explainable AI. Many papers explore the intersection of evolutionary computation with deep learning, creating more efficient and transparent AI systems. His work spans theoretical foundations and practical applications in areas ranging from environmental control systems to cognitive modeling.
Scientific Awards:
- College of Fellows, International Neural Network Society, 2024
- Best Pathway to Impact Award, NeurIPS Climate Change workshop, 2024
- AAAI Fellow, 2023
- IEEE CIS Evolutionary Computation Pioneer Award, 2020
- Gabor Award, International Neural Network Society, 2017
- Outstanding Paper of the Decade Award, International Society for Artificial Life, 2017
- IEEE Fellow, 2016
- Multiple Best Paper Awards at GECCO, CIG, and CEC conferences
- Deployed Application Award, AAAI/IAAI-2013, AAAI/IAAI-2018
Miikkulainen has extensive experience mentoring students through undergraduate research courses like CS378 Computational Intelligence in Game Design I and II, where students develop independent research projects on the OpenNERO research platform. He has received multiple awards for deployed applications, demonstrating the practical impact of his research. His work has led to the development of the NERO game platform, which serves as both an educational tool and research platform for AI.
He directs the UTCS Neural Networks Research Group, which focuses on neuroevolution, cognitive science models, and computational neuroscience. The group has developed the NERO (Neuro-Evolving Robotic Operatives) platform, a machine learning game that allows users to train intelligent agents through evolutionary computation. The group's work spans theoretical research and practical applications in AI, with connections to both academic and industry partners.
