Loughborough University

Memristive Reservoirs and Artificial Neurons for Neuromorphic Computing

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

This project focuses on artificial neurons for next-generation neuromorphic computing. The aim is to create hardware that can learn from time-varying signals efficiently, using device physics — including diffusion and stochasticity — as part of the computation. AI is rapidly moving from the cloud to the edge (e.g. sensors, wearables, robotics, and autonomous systems), where power efficiency, low latency, and robustness are critical.

Memristive and physical reservoir approaches offer a route to ultra-low-power, fast, and adaptive computation, potentially enabling new capabilities in real-time signal processing, classification, prediction, and secure on-device intelligence. Projects can be tailored to your background (physics, electronic engineering, materials science, or computer science). Possible directions include: Memristive reservoir computing for time-series tasks (prediction, classification, and event-based sensing).

Artificial neurons (“transneurons”) and spiking dynamics for richer, brain-inspired computation. Stochastic memristive devices for probabilistic computing and true random number generation. Noise, instability, and variability: modelling, mitigation strategies, and robust learning rules.

Benchmarking and hardware–algorithm co-design (device models → circuits → system-level performance). You will join a supportive research environment at Loughborough University, working with Prof. Sergey Savel’ev, building on a strong track record in memristive neuromorphic hardware, including publications in Nature Materials, Nature Electronics, and Nature Communications.

Selected publications include: 10.1038/nmat4756 10.1038/s41928-018-0023-2 10.1038/s41467-017-00869-x 10.1038/ncomms11142 10.1038/s41467-025-62151-9 10.1038/s41467-023-43891-y 10.1126/sciadv.abl58 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Research hardware that learns from time-varying signals using device physics
  • Project tailored to physics, electronics, materials science or computing backgrounds
  • Explore memristive reservoir computing for prediction, classification and event-based sensing
  • Study spiking artificial neurons and stochastic devices for probabilistic computing
  • Hardware–algorithm co-design from device models to system-level performance
  • Supervision by Prof. Sergey Savel'ev, with publications in Nature journals

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000

  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000

  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Neuromorphic hardware research scientist
  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • Semiconductor device engineer
  • Edge AI hardware engineer
  • Electronic engineer
  • University lecturer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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