AI for Biology and Human Intelligence

The He Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Research

We develop AI to understand how biological changes shape human health and intelligence, and to guide ways of improving both.

Our research connects molecular and cellular mechanisms to organ function, brain dynamics, and cognition through models whose predictions can be tested experimentally.

Pale blue and coral scientific illustration connects a DNA helix and molecular interactions with an organized cellular sheet.

Biological function and disease

We connect genes, cells, and tissues to understand how biological systems function and how molecular changes lead to disease.

A textured human profile combines molecular puncta inside cells, cellular neighborhoods, curved circuit connections, and three schematic electrical traces, linking biological identity, organization, and dynamics to cognition.

The biological basis of intelligence

We connect genes, cells, and brain circuits to understand how cognition and social behavior emerge, using multimodal AI across species and disease.

A colorful natural-history-inspired painting of light revealing intricate microscopic forms, a metaphor for expanding biological understanding.

AI for scientific discovery

We build AI partners that help people connect evidence, uncover biological mechanisms, and expand their capabilities for scientific discovery.

More about our research

Selective Publications

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Join us

We welcome students, researchers, and partners who share our curiosity about biology and the potential of AI to benefit people. Help shape the lab as we prepare to launch at Illinois in 2027.

Learn about joining the lab