Science of Intelligence, a joint Cluster of Excellence of Technische Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, is focusing on better understanding intelligence in all its facets: which fundamental laws and principles underlie different forms of intelligence – whether it be artificial, individual, or collective intelligence? The scientists from the most diverse disciplines – from psychology, robotics, and computer science to philosophy and behavioral research – want to use their research results to create new intelligent technologies. The cluster’s methodological strategy is a new approach in intelligence research in which all knowledge, methods, concepts, and theories must be incorporated into technological artifacts, such as robots or computer programs. These artifacts serve as a common “language” that is intended to facilitate scientific exchange across disciplinary boundaries.

“Despite intensive research in all areas of intelligence, knowledge of it is still fragmentary and incoherent. Science of Intelligence aims at filling these gaps and establishing new interrelations to fundamentally advance the understanding of intelligence,” says Oliver Brock, Professor of Robotics at Technische Universität Berlin and spokesperson for the cluster.

The cluster's synthetic research approach makes it possible to both link and review the various research results. The knowledge gained in this way integrates all disciplines involved in intelligence research, thus bringing the identification of fundamental principles of different forms of intelligence within reach. “Knowledge that is consistent across several of the disciplines involved provides valuable indications of the sought-after principles of intelligence. Contradictions, on the other hand, will lead to new questions,” explains Oliver Brock.

Structurally, SCIoI is primarily focusing on intensive early-career support. Parallel to the existing “Science of Intelligence” Master Track, which provides prospective intelligence researchers with the necessary knowledge from computer science, psychology, and other disciplines, promising young researchers are offered the opportunity to propose their own projects. The participating scientists in the greater Berlin area are thus creating a unique research and training environment that is highly attractive to young, highly qualified intelligence researchers.

Spokesperson

Prof. Dr. Oliver Brock, Technische Universität Berlin

Applicant universities

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Technische Universität Berlin

Partner institutions

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin

Max Planck Institute for Human Development Berlin

University of Potsdam

Cooperation partners

International cooperations: Aarhus University (Interacting Minds Center), MIT (Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines), University of Oxford

Nationale Kooperationen: Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Einsteincenter Neuroscience

Cooperation with industry: Amazon Development Center Berlin, Datalab, mindX, Hypoport Volkswagen AG, PSIORI

Further Information

Berlin University Alliance website