Slime mould Physarum polycephalum is an easy to cultivate, single-celled organism, which forms efficient, complex networks of protoplasmic tubes between spatially distributed food sources. Despite having no central nervous system, P. polycephalum is capable of solving computational tasks both on its own and when integrated into hybrid bio-electrical circuits. Some experimental working prototypes which have been developed with slime moulds include self-routing and self-repairing wires, electronic oscillators, chemical sensors, color sensors, low pass filters, logical gates, and transistors, among many others.

In this workshop we will be introduced to working with Physarum polycephalum, including life cycle, cultivation, and techniques for integrating with conventional electrical components for building hybrid circuits. We will also have a brief overview of notable earlier experiments with slime moulds. By the end of the workshop, we will have built simple synthesizers made up of noise-making oscillators connected to each other by slime mould "wires" grown during class.

No prior experience is necessary.

Course Fee: 75€ Materials: 25€