Research Units

The Gravity, Quantum Geometry and Field Theory Unit’s research interest lies in revealing the quantum nature of spacetime. Geometrical aspects of gravity, manifested in General Relativity, h...

The Information Theory, Probability and Statistics Unit performs theoretical research at the intersection of the fields described in the name with applications to various areas that include Estimation Theory, Computational Biology, Hypothesis Testing, etc.

We study interactions between small particles, such as atoms, and laser light using nano-optics tools, to better understand light’s influences on dynamics.

In the machine learning and data science (MLDS) unit, we focus on developing fundamental machine learning algorithms and solving important scientific problems using machine learning. We are currently interested in statistical modeling for high-dimensional data including kernel and deep learning models and geometric machine learning algorithms, including graph neural networks (GNN) and optimal transport problems. In addition to developing ML models, we focus on developing new machine learning methods to automatically find a new scientific discoveries from data.

The Marine Physics and Engineering Unit advances the forecast of ocean dynamics and the development of hydrodynamic disaster mitigation alternatives, paving the way for novel ocean technologies.

The Model-Based Evolutionary Genomics Unit works at the crossroads of computational and evolutionary biology. Our long-term goal is to achieve an integrative understanding of the evolution of Life on Earth and the origins and emergence of complexity across different biological scales, from individual proteins to ecosystems. To move towards this goal, we develop and apply model-driven evolutionary genomics methods to reconstruct the Tree of Life and the major evolutionary transitions that have occurred along its branches.

The ambition of NetQ, the Networked Quantum Devices unit, is to develop the necessary theoretical tools such as novel error correction mechanisms, cryptographic protocols, and simulation alg...

Cognitive functions of the brain, such as sensory perception, learning and memory, and decision-making emerge from computations by neural networks. The advantages of biological neural comput...

The OIST Neural Computation Unit aims to develop novel algorithms and to reveal brain mechanisms for reinforcement learning and Bayesian inference by combining top-down theoretical and bottom-up experimental approaches.

We work in experimental nonlinear, non-equilibrium and soft matter physics. Our current research focuses on fluids, granular media, fluctuations in renewables and quantitative life sciences.

The Optical Neuroimaging Unit uses home-built two-photon microscopes and special fluorescent dyes to image neuronal and astrocytic activity on a cellular level in behaving mice. 

(Closed since June 2025) The unit studied natural time series data, from NLP to genome sequences to cephalopod camouflage, with dynamical systems and machine learning methods, letting the data lead the way.

Quantum information science and technology brings quantum mechanics and information theory together and includes, but is not limited to, quantum computation, quantum communication, and quantum metrology.

In Quantum Dynamics Unit we study a unique system of elementary quantum particles, electrons, floating on the surface of liquid helium. Helium, which is a noble gas at room temperature, becomes liquid when it is cooled down in a refrigerator. Unlike any other substances encountered in nature, helium remains liquid even at the absolute zero temperature, thus contains no impurities and presents the cleanest substrate for electrons. At such low temperatures, electrons behave as quantum objects with charge and spin degrees of freedom, which can be harnessed for interesting applications, such as quantum computing. In Quantum Dynamics Unit we use a variety of experimental techniques such as microwave engineering and microfabrication to study properties of electrons on helium and harness them for quantum technology.

The Quantum Engineering and Design Unit explores how we can transfer today ideas in quantum information science into tomorrow’s quantum technologies through system design.

Curiosity-driven research on fundamental theoretical physics. Recent focus areas include higher-spin theory, de Sitter holography, black holes and asymptotic symmetries.

The research unit will conduct theoretical research into all aspects of quantum information processing with focus on the nature of randomness and its applications in secure communication.

We study in theory and experiments the engineering of quantum devices built from different subsystems that can collectively perform beyond the individual capabilities of their parts.