Nicolai Waniek
Research
I am an expert in computational neuroscience, machine learning, computer science, and neuromorphic computing. Generally, my interests are in asynchronous and distributed systems, particularly in uncovering and extracting their core algorithms and data structures based on first principles, to understand how non-linear dynamics can foster stable computations, and to advance the mathematical understanding of how diverse systems -- from brain regions to computing networks -- manage information. To this end, I analyze neural population dynamics, emergent phenomena, self-organization, plasticity, and collective behaviors using a variety of tools from computer science, machine and deep learning, data science, mathematics, and statistics.
Currently, I explore neural representations and behaviors of rodents and the camouflage patterns of cuttlefish. I also study the emergence of computational complexity and spatio-temporal languages in evolutionary distributed systems. In past research, I focused specifically on neural computations that are critical for spatial navigation and perception, and on computer vision. I have also successfully applied my knowledge to practical robotics, leading the development of a perception framework for manipulation robotics and a publicly available sim2real rendering pipeline. My scientific and industrial contributions are documented in academic publications and patents.
Publications
2024
-
Dietrich, Robin;
Waniek, Nicolai Sebastian;
Stemmler, Martin;
Knoll, Alois.
(2024)
Grid codes vs. multi-scale, multi-field place codes for space.
Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
Academic article
Journal publications
-
Dietrich, Robin;
Waniek, Nicolai Sebastian;
Stemmler, Martin;
Knoll, Alois.
(2024)
Grid codes vs. multi-scale, multi-field place codes for space.
Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
Academic article