Computational Modelling Group

Seminar  24th April 2013 4 p.m.  Highfield Campus - Building 53, Room 4025a

Can Chemicals Think? Learning And Approximate Bayesian Inference In Simulated Reaction Systems

Dr Simon McGregor
University of Sussex

Web page
http://cs4southampton.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/cs4-future-talk-doyne-farmer/
Submitter
Luke Goater

The next seminar of the CS4: Complex Systems Simulation Seminar Series 2012/13 will take place on Wednesday 24th April. Dr Simon McGregor, University of Sussex, will give the CS4 talk "Can Chemicals Think? Learning And Approximate Bayesian Inference In Simulated Reaction Systems", 4-5pm, B53/4025, Highfield Campus.

"In biology, cognitive processes have been extensively studied in whole organisms, nervous systems, and perhaps to a lesser extent immune systems. The possibility of analogous phenomena at the sub-cellular level has been given relatively little attention. I describe a series of simple experiments showing that potential chemical learning mechanisms can be identified by in silico evolution of simulated reaction systems. In fact, the dynamics can be readily interpreted as an approximate implementation of Bayesian inference. I discuss these results in the context of the complex relationships between information theory, thermodynamics, cognition and life." All CS4 talks are free and refreshements will be provided from 5pm.

No registration is required. For videos of previous talks and details of future talks please visit: http://cs4southampton.wordpress.com