Skip to content

Computing + Biology

When imagining the future of technology, sometimes all we need to do is look out the window — or into a microscope.

Our researchers take inspiration from nature to redefine what a computer can be, from data storage using synthetic DNA, to sensors modeled on insects and leaves. We also advance technologies to help solve biology’s biggest mysteries, such as computational approaches for understanding the mechanisms of disease and brain-computer interfaces that can restore or augment physical function and mobility.


Research Groups & Labs

Drawing of a snail with arrows pointing in the direction of the swirl of its shell and rows of tick marks behind it

Systems Neuroscience & AI Lab (SNAIL)

SNAIL develops computational models and algorithms for understanding how single-trial neural population activity drives our abilities to generate movements, make decisions, and learn from experience.

Vials of DNA samples being prepared for genetic sequencing

Mostafavi Lab

The Mostafavi Lab develops machine learning and statistical methods that combine evidence across multiple types of molecular/genomics data and disentangle spurious from meaningful correlations for new insights into mechanisms of health and disease.


Faculty Members

Faculty

Faculty

Faculty


Centers & Initiatives

Society + Technology is a cross-campus, cross-disciplinary initiative and community at the University of Washington that is dedicated to research, teaching and learning focused on the social, societal and justice dimensions of technology.

The Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) got its start in 2011 as one of several Engineering Research Centers (ERCs) funded by the National Science Foundation. CNT is headquartered at the University of Washington, with core partners at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and San Diego State University. CNT researchers focus on developing and applying principles of engineered neuroplasticity to revolutionize the treatment of spinal cord injury, stroke and other debilitating neurological conditions.

Highlights


UW News

In an article in Nature Reviews Bioengineering, members of the AIMS Lab led by Allen School professor Su-In Lee discuss how explainable AI techniques are essential for ensuring accuracy and trust in AI models used in clinical settings.

Allen School News

In a recent paper, a team of researchers led by professor Matt Golub designed a new machine learning technique to understand how different parts of the brain talk to each other even when some parts can’t be directly observed.

Allen School News

The ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction recognized Fogarty’s leadership and contributions to human-computer interaction research including ubiquitous computing, interactive machine learning, accessibility and personal health informatics.