The Geometric Intelligence Lab @ UC Santa Barbara

We use mathematics to unify the study of intelligence in brains and machines.

In neuroscience, we still don’t know how large populations of neurons give rise to perception, memory, and learning. In AI/ML, we face significant challenges to understand systems of our own making, leaving them hard to control and trust.

Our lab's hypothesis is that we lack appropriate mathematics that reveals the principles of intelligence in brains and machines. Our research develops the missing framework, uses it to formalize a theory of intelligence across substrates, and builds it into novel artificial neural networks to deliver superior performance without necessarily scaling data, parameters, or compute.

Geometric Intelligence Research

Just as physicists used geometry to build unification theories, we show that brain and machine intelligences can be studied under a common mathematical framework: geometric intelligence.

Geometric Intelligence in Machines

We study the properties of top-performing AI models and design mathematical approaches to improve them. Learn more.

Geometric Intelligence in Brains

We study patterns of neural activity across diverse cognitive functions—from navigation and memory to vision. Learn more.

Building Brain Digital Twins

We use AI models to build digital twins of the brain, simulating its function in both health and disease. Learn more.

Latest News

Mathilde Papillon Receives the Best Paper Award at EAI ArtsIT

Mathilde Papillon, Ph.D. student in the Geometric Intelligence Lab, receives the prestigious Best Paper Award at the conference EAI ArtsIT for her work: "PirouNet: Creating Dance through Artist-Centric Deep Learning" with Mariel Pettee and Nina Miolane.

Watch Nina Miolane's Keynote at the CVPR Workshop on Deep Learning for Geometric Computing

Nina Miolane, PI of the Geometric Intelligence Lab, presented the work of our group at the workshop "Deep Learning for Geometric Computing". Watch the video here!

Nina Miolane Receives Regents' Junior Faculty Award

Nina Miolane, PI of the Geometric Intelligence Lab, receives the UC Regents' Junior Faculty Fellowship Award!

This award, presented by the UCSB Academic Personnel Office, supports outstanding junior faculty in their development of the substantial record in research and creative work necessary for advancement to tenure.