The group develops and investigates a range of novel computational models 

Our work includes quantum, neural, reservoir, analogue, and mechanical computing, and novel hardware and computational substrates such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), magnetic materials and meta-materials.

Contact us

Professor Susan Stepney

Professor Susan Stepney

Non-Standard Computing Research Group lead

susan.stepney@york.ac.uk

We develop and investigate a range of novel computational models that complement the classical Turing/von Neumann approach used in your laptop and smartphone.  For example, we research quantum computing (using the power of quantum physics to solve certain problems faster), neural networks (inspired by how the brain works), and mechanical computing (using microscopic levers, rods, and gears to compute). 

We use novel hardware, such as FPGAs, a highly configurable and parallel computer chip, to simulate these novel models efficiently. 

We work with Material Scientists to develop novel non-silicon-based forms of computational material, such as magnetic materials, and meta-materials (materials patterned and engineered to have specific properties), to provide physical devices that naturally support these novel computational models, rather than needing to simulate them with conventional silicon. 

We aim to develop novel computers that can work using much lower power, in environments hostile to conventional electronics (such as in the body, underwater, in space), or with much greater sensitivity, for a new generation of “smart” devices.

The group develops and investigates a range of novel computational models (for example: quantum, neural, reservoir, analogue, and mechanical computing) and novel hardware and computational substrates (for example, FPGAs, magnetic materials, meta-materials).  The aims are (i) to understand what computation is, and what the physical constraints on computation are, at a fundamental level; (ii) to develop novel models and cutting-edge devices better suited to particular applications (for example, low power edge computing, high sensitivity quantum sensing).

  1. Theoretical computer science – new models of computation
  2. Philosophy of computing – deeper understanding of computation, and the relationship between abstract models and physical implementations
  3. Quantum technologies, quantum sensors – more powerful computers, more sensitive devices
  4. Materials science – engineering metamaterials for computational properties
  5. Embodied computation – combining computation and materials in a symbiotic relationship

Stories

Group members

Photo Contact details
Academic staff
Professor Sam Braunstein

Professor Sam Braunstein

Academic staff

sam.braunstein@york.ac.uk

Dr Simon OKeefe

Dr Simon O'Keefe

Academic staff

simon.okeefe@york.ac.uk

Dr Carlo Ottaviani

Dr Carlo Ottaviani

Academic staff

carlo.ottaviani@york.ac.uk

Professor Stefano Pirandola

Professor Stefano Pirandola

Academic staff

stefano.pirandola@york.ac.uk

Professor Susan Stepney

Professor Susan Stepney

Academic staff - group lead

susan.stepney@york.ac.uk

Research staff
Dr David Griffin 

Dr David Griffin

Research Associate

david.griffin@york.ac.uk

Dr Penn Rainford

Research Assistant

penn.rainford@york.ac.uk

Postgraduate research students
Rafael Afonso Rodrigues 

Rafael Afonso Rodrigues

Postgraduate Research Student

rar541@york.ac.uk

Reem Alqifari

Reem Alqifari

Postgraduate Research Student

ra1003@york.ac.uk

Jonathan Edwards

Postgraduate Research Student

jde500@york.ac.uk

 Jess Park

Jess Park

Postgraduate Research Student

jlp567@york.ac.uk

Mohammed Terry-Jack 

Mohammed Terry-Jack

Postgraduate Research Student

mdtj500@york.ac.uk

Riv Waldegrave 

Riv Waldegrave

Postgraduate Research Student

rraw500@york.ac.uk

Chester Wringe 

Chester Wringe

Postgraduate Research Student

chester.wringe@york.ac.uk

Matt Young

Matt Young

Postgraduate Research Student

matt.young@york.ac.uk

Other affiliates
 

Tian Gan

Affiliate

tg847@york.ac.uk

Rinku Sebastian 

Rinku Sebastian

Affiliate

rs2224@york.ac.uk

Dr Steven Wright

Dr Steven Wright

Affiliate

steven.wright@york.ac.uk

 

Contact us

Professor Susan Stepney

Professor Susan Stepney

Non-Standard Computing Research Group lead

susan.stepney@york.ac.uk