Brain-Inspired Computing Expert Appointed Professor at Technical University Braunschweig
Dr. habil. Thomas Kampf, a leading researcher in the field of neuromorphic computing, has been appointed professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Physics at the Technical University Braunschweig. This appointment marks a significant step forward for the university’s research efforts in this cutting-edge area of artificial intelligence.
A Depth of Knowledge in Microelectronics and In-Memory Computing
Dr. Kampf brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His expertise in microelectronics and in-memory computing will be invaluable as he leads research projects and mentors the next generation of scientists and engineers. He has a proven track record of innovation, having published over 200 articles in top-tier scientific journals and presented his findings at international conferences.
From Nanotechnology to Neuromorphic Computing: A Career Defined by Innovation
Dr. Kampf’s academic journey began with a diploma in applied physics with a focus on materials science and nanotechnology in 2011. He then earned his doctorate in physics, specializing in nanoelectronics and ferroelectronics, from the Technical University of Dresden in 2016. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Kampf also served as a research scholar at the University of Colorado and a lecturer in nanotechnology at the TU Dresden.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Dr. Kampf continued his academic pursuits, completing his habilitation in 2022 with a research focus on ferroelectric hafnium oxide for in-memory computing and semiconductor development. His groundbreaking work was recognized with the prestigious Dresden Excellence Award and the George E. Smith Award in 2023 for research into harnessing 28nm FeFET crossbar arrays on 300 mm wafers for in-memory development.
Bridging Research and Teaching
Dr. Kampf’s dedication to advancing the field of neuromorphic computing extends beyond his research endeavors. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of scientists.
In his new role at the Technical University Braunschweig, Dr. Kampf will draw upon his extensive experience as a lecturer at the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU). He will leverage his expertise to develop innovative teaching methodologies and inspire students to explore the limitless possibilities of brain-inspired computing.
Leading the Way at the CMOS Design Institute
Dr. Kampf’s impact will be felt immediately at the CMOS Design Institute, where he will lead research initiatives focused on developing energy-efficient AI transistors. This cutting-edge work will leverage state-of-the-art memory technologies such as FeFET, FRAM, RRAM, and MRAM, paving the way for more sustainable and powerful artificial intelligence applications.
Fraunhofer IPMS enthusiastically congratulates Dr. habil. Thomas Kampf on his well-deserved appointment. The institute looks forward to collaborating with him on groundbreaking research that will shape the future of neuromorphic computing.
What are some potential applications of neuromorphic computing?
## Brain-Powered Tech: An Interview with Professor Thomas Kampf
**Today’s guest is Dr. habil. Thomas Kampf, newly appointed professor at the Technical University Braunschweig. Dr. Kampf is a leading expert in the exciting field of neuromorphic computing, a technology that seeks to mimic the efficiency and power of the human brain.**
**Dr. Kampf, congratulations on your new appointment. What exactly is neuromorphic computing, and why is it such a groundbreaking field?**
**Dr. Kampf:** Thank you! It’s an honour to be here. Neuromorphic computing is all about creating hardware and algorithms that act more like our brains. [[1](https://research.ibm.com/blog/what-is-neuromorphic-or-brain-inspired-computing)]It’s not about building a physical replica of the brain, but rather replicating the way neurons process and transmit information efficiently.
**That’s fascinating. How does this differ from traditional computing?**
**Dr. Kampf:** Traditional computers are great at crunching numbers, but they’re not very good at learning from experience or adapting to new information like our brains are.
Neuromorphic systems, on the other hand, are designed to learn and adapt in a more natural way. Imagine a computer that can recognize patterns, make decisions, and even learn new things on its ownsimilar to how our brains function.
**That’s incredible! What are some potential applications of this technology?**
**Dr. Kampf:** The possibilities are truly exciting. Neuromorphic computing could revolutionize fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and even medicine.
Imagine robots that can learn and adapt to their environments in real-time, or medical devices that can analyze complex medical data and assist doctors in making diagnoses. The potential is truly limitless.
**Your expertise in microelectronics and in-memory computing will certainly be valuable in your new role. What are your research goals at Technical University Braunschweig?**
**Dr. Kampf:** I’m particularly interested in developing neuromorphic chips that are both powerful and energy-efficient. I believe these chips will be crucial for realizing the full potential of brain-inspired computing.
Here at the university, we have a great team of researchers and state-of-the-art facilities. I’m confident that we can make significant contributions to this field and help shape the future of computing.
