Physical Learning 2026

Overview

Learning is the process by which functional systems improve their capabilities, central to biology and AI. An important emerging question is how learning algorithms can be physically implemented, for applications in neuromorphic computing or the design of advanced robots or functional materials. This workshop takes the temperature of activities in widely different communities, spanning neuroscience, physical computing, robotics, advanced materials.

Confirmed speakers

• Yoeri van de Burgt (TUE)
• Elisabetta Chicca (RUG)
• Corentin Coulais (UvA)
• Marjolein Dijkstra (UU)
• Marcel van Gerven (RU)
• Martin van Hecke (AMOLF/UL)
• Alex Khajetoorians (RU)
• Antoine Deblais (UvA)
• Marc Serra Garcia (AMOLF)
• Nachi Stern (AMOLF)
• Wilfred van der Wiel (UT)
• Pieter Rein ten Wolde (AMOLF)

Registration

Thank you for your interest in participating. Unfortunately, we have already reached our maximum number of participants. Please send an email to M.v.Hecke@amolf.nl to be added to the waiting list.

Program

Tuesday, March 24

• 10:00–10:45 – Welcome, Coffee, Badge pickup
• 10:45–11:00 – Opening
• 11:00–11:40 – Corentin Coulais: Metamaterials that learn vibrations, shape-changes, and limit cycles
• 11:40–12:20 – Marcel van Gerven: Learning from random perturbations
• 12:20–14:00 – Lunch
• 14:00–14:40 – Yoeri van de Burgt: Learning and adaptivity with organic spiking neurons and neuromorphic circuits
• 14:40–15:20 – Elisabetta Chicca: Learning in spiking neural networks on mixed-signal full-custom CMOS
• Tea break
• 15:50–16:30 – Alex Khajetoorians: What can we learn with multi-wells and Ising systems
• 16:30–16:50 – Nachi Stern: Physical learning in dynamical systems
• 16:50–17:10 – Marc Serra-Garcia: Learning in multimodal oscillator networks
• 17:10–17:30 – Jack Gartside: Learning nonlinear heterogeneity in physical neural networks
• 17:30–18:00 – Drinks

Wednesday, March 25

• 09:10–09:50 – Marjolein Dijkstra: Multimodal learning and memory in iontronic and fluidic networks
• 09:50–10:10 – Pieter Rein ten Wolde: Harnessing information
• 10:10–10:30 – Antoine Deblais: How to Clean a Room Without a Brain?
• Coffee & Tea
• 11:00–11:40 – Martin van Hecke: Learning the pathways of computing networks
• 11:40–12:20 – Wilfred van der Wiel: Learning nonlinearity in silicon
• 12:20–14:00 – Lunch
• 14:00 – Breakout & discussions: Future themes & common ground

Practical information

Contact

Anne Jansen

Locations

• AMOLF Colloquium room
• Lunch will be provided

Organizers

Martin van Hecke (AMOLF) en Wilfred van der Wiel (UT)