Vision: Science to Applications
Understanding the neural processes of vision is one of the grand challenges of the 21st century. Built up from the existing excellence of the Centre for Vision Research—which unites York University’s world-renowned researchers in psychology, biology, kinesiology, computer science, engineering, media and design—Vision: Science to Applications (VISTA) is an alliance between perceptual and behavioral neuroscience, computer vision, robotics, digital arts and media, and the social sciences.
VISTA’s research explores the common theme of vision in the real world through five interrelated thrusts:
- vision across the lifespan;
- neural computation and natural behaviour;
- attention and visuomotor control;
- face and object perception and tracking; and
- seeing in 3D.
Blending psychophysical, physiological and computational approaches, VISTA will create a novel, interdisciplinary paradigm in visual neuroscience and computer vision. This paradigm will generate new insights into the neural computations underlying human perception and perceptual disorders, and will lead to the development of novel neurotechnologies, data visualization, machine vision, and robotic technologies to help people lead healthier, safer and more rewarding lives.
VISTA’s researchers will work closely with partners from industry, government and the health sector, to translate basic research into:
- biomedical applications;
- assisted-living implementations, attentive visual machines;
- surveillance technology;
- immersive and 3D film experiences; and
- novel interventions based on deep-brain stimulation, image-guided surgery, and screening techniques for clinical populations.
A new, enhanced mobilization and commercialization centre within VISTA will support an efficient innovation pipeline—from research through prototypes to commercialization—to accelerate translation of the research through York University’s innovation ecosystem.
VISTA will propel Canada’s global leadership in vision research, which will translate into long-term economic benefits for Canada in four top-priority industry sectors: health and aging, robotics, 3D film and digital media, and surveillance and transportation.