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Two recent developments further mark Princeton University as a leader in the areas of innovation, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

Princeton University professor John Hopfield received the 2024 Nobel Prize in physics Oct. 8. The organization recognized the laureate “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.”

Meanwhile, the week before, the university introduced a new Office of Innovation.

Hopfield received the distinguished honor along with Geoffrey Hinton of the University of Toronto. His work invented a network that uses a method for saving and recreating patterns.

“This year’s two Nobel Laureates in Physics have used tools from physics to develop methods that are the foundation of today’s powerful machine learning,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences noted in awarding the prize.

“The laureates’ work has already been of the greatest benefit,” said Ellen Moons, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. “In physics we use artificial neural networks in a vast range of areas, such as developing new materials with specific purposes.”

“The science which advances technology is the science that gets done for curiosity’s sake much earlier,” said Hopfield, describing this theoretical research as “the generator of technologies which are so interesting, useful and one relies on to keep making things work better.”

“John Hopfield’s brilliant scientific career has transcended ordinary disciplinary boundaries, enabling him to make lasting contributions to physics, chemistry, neuroscience, and molecular biology,” said Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber. “His pathbreaking research on neural networks, for which he is honored today, exemplifies beautifully the power of curiosity-driven research to advance the frontiers of knowledge and create new tools for addressing some of the world’s most profound challenges.”

‘Integral, inclusive and impactful’ innovation

On Oct. 4, Princeton announced the launch of the Office of Innovation. The new hub aims to facilitate, cultivate and elevate the university’s innovation pursuits.

Part of the Office of the Dean for Research, Craig Arnold will lead the new Office of Innovation. Additionally, the Susan Dod Brown, professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and vice dean for innovation, will serve as Princeton’s first University Innovation Officer.

Beyond providing a key resource for faculty, researchers and entrepreneurs, the office will also engage in broader efforts to support state and regional economic ecosystems. It will play a key role in developing the NJ AI Hub, which NJBIZ has reported on.

“This new office is founded on the principle that innovation at Princeton should be integral, inclusive and impactful, with a commitment to elevating innovation across all fields to match Princeton’s renowned excellence in teaching and fundamental research,” said Arnold. “Our mission is clear: we seek to nurture and support an environment where bold ideas take root, interdisciplinary collaboration thrives and new ways of thinking challenge established norms.”

Based at 34 Chambers St. in downtown Princeton, the office includes three departments:

• Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, led by Executive Director Coleen Burrus
• Technology Licensing and New Ventures, led by Executive Director John Ritter
• Innovation Infrastructure and Programs, encompassing multistate, multi-institution consortiums

“The goal in creating the Office of Innovation is to organize the infrastructure to support innovation under one collaborative umbrella with focused leadership,” said Dean for Research Peter Schiffer, who is also vice president for Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.

“We are genuinely excited about the opportunities these changes bring,” Arnold said. “We are eager to see how they drive lasting and meaningful contributions to the innovation landscape of New Jersey and beyond in the years to come.”

See also:

• Princeton maintains grip on top spot in U.S. News college rankings