Dr. Michael Arbib

Professor

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Biography

Michael Arbib is an Emeritus Professor with a broad interdisciplinary focus, integrating insights from computer science, neuroscience, and cognitive science to explore the coordination of perception and action. His seminal work, 'Brains, Machines, and Mathematics' (1964), laid the groundwork for understanding how studying brains informs machine learning and vice versa. He has engaged in extensive research on neural networks and machine vision, collaborating closely with experimental neuroscientists. Furthermore, he has been involved in groundbreaking exploration of the evolutionary mechanisms underlying human language, proposing the Mirror System Hypothesis that connects language to the neural mechanisms involved in action observation. Arbib remains active in the field, with recent interests in neuromorphic architecture, linking insights from neuroscience to the design of architectural spaces. He has authored and edited over 40 books, including notable titles such as 'Who Needs Emotions? Brain Meets Robot' and 'From Action to Language via the Mirror System'.

Research Interests

Experience

Emeritus Professor

1990-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Held the position with a focus on interdisciplinary research between computer science and neuroscience.

Awards

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Best Poster Award

2011-01-01
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Okawa Foundation Research Grant

2009-01-01
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Helmholtz Prize

2009-01-01
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Fellow

2008-01-01
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Distinguished Scholar

2006-01-01
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Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)

2004-01-01
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Distinguished Scientist Award

2003-01-01
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Gold Medal Honor

2002-01-01
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Rouse Ball Lecturer

2001-01-01
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Gledden Senior Visiting Fellowship

1999-01-01
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Pioneer Award

1995-01-01
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Lockheed Senior Research Award

1995-01-01
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Fellow

1994-01-01
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Socio Onorio

1992-01-01
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Chaire d'Etat reservé des savants Etrangeres

1992-01-01
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Chancellor's Medal

1989-01-01
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Gifford Lecturer in Natural Theology

1983-01-01
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Chancellor's Medal

1982-01-01
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Faculty Fellowship Award for Distinguished Research and Scholarship

1981-01-01
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Outstanding Presentation

1973-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.