Can intelligence bloom in living cells?
From lab-grown brain organoids to living machines that can sense, compute, and adapt—biology is becoming the new hardware. This new Collection from npj Unconventional Computing brings together pioneering research at the intersection of life and machine, where synthetic intelligence and living systems converge to challenge everything we know about computing.

What is this Collection about?
This Collection explores the emerging frontier of biocomputing and synthetic intelligence, where biology meets machine learning in astonishing ways. From brain organoids capable of processing information to AI-enhanced living systems, we are looking for research that pushes the boundaries of how intelligence is created, measured and applied. Contributions are welcome across experimental work, theoretical models, biointerfaces, ethical considerations and visionary applications—from neuroengineering to personalized medicine. Submission deadline: 7 December 2025

Why is this Collection important?
Biocomputing is no longer science fiction—it’s becoming science fact. As advances in tissue engineering and AI unfold at breakneck speed, we are seeing the birth of living systems that can compute, adapt and even 'learn'. This Collection is your opportunity to be part of a transformative conversation: how can biological systems and machines work together to create new forms of intelligence? Whether you are in biology, computer science, ethics, or engineering, your perspective could help shape the next era of computing.

Why submit to a Collection?
Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors and In-House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.

Who is involved?
Derosh George, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, USA
Feng Guo, PhD, Indiana University, USA
Brett J. Kagan, PhD, Cortical Labs Pte Ltd, Australia
Nicole Kerlero de Rosbo, PhD, Cortical Labs Pte Ltd, Australia

How can I submit my paper?


Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.