Three ECE professors named Vector Institute Faculty Affiliates

Professor Jason Anderson stands in the Engineering Library at U of T
Professor Jason Anderson is one of three professors from The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) named Faculty Affiliates by the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. (Photo by: Jessica MacInnis)

September 26, 2018

The Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence recently announced their 2018 cohort of Vector Institute Faculty Affiliates, which brings together leading researchers in deep learning, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) generally, from across Ontario.

Professors Jason Anderson, Vaughn Betz and Andreas Moshovos (all ECE) are among 63 Faculty Affiliates from nine Ontario institutions that comprise the 2018 cohort. Affiliates were selected based on recommendations from a committee of Vector Faculty members who reviewed applicants based on the strength of their research contributions and the alignment of their research interests with the Vector Institute. ECE’s Professor Brendan Frey is a founding member of the Vector Institute.

Professor Anderson’s research group is looking at implementing machine learning algorithms on reconfigurable integrated circuits called Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to achieve higher energy efficiency than standard processors.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to work closely with some of the top minds in the artificial intelligence community through the Vector Institute,” says Professor Anderson, who also serves as ECE’s Associate Chair of Research. “Bringing together researchers working in software, hardware, theory and industry will be a benefit to each of us individually, but more importantly will help to maintain and grow Canada’s leadership in artificial intelligence as a whole.”

Professor Betz’s group is working on making efficient programmable hardware accelerators for deep learning using current FPGAs, and also improving the architectures of these programmable chips to make them more effective accelerators for deep learning.

Professor Moshovos heads the NSERC Strategic Partnership Network in Computer Hardware for Emerging Sensory Applications (COHESA) — a national research network that aims to create the next generation of computing engines optimized for artificial intelligence.

The Vector Institute was founded in 2017 to attract, retain and train talent in the field of artificial intelligence. Vector Faculty Affiliates will play a key role in developing, growing and diversifying knowledge and research within the AI community, including both researchers and industry. Faculty Affiliates will have access to the Institute’s programming and are appointed for two year terms and nominations are considered annually.

More information:
Jessica MacInnis
Senior Communications Officer
The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
416-978-7997; jessica.macinnis@utoronto.ca