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Dr Hammond Pearce has been recognised by Google to conduct important research into reducing critical flaws in the design of computer chips.

Dr Pearce, from UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering, has received around $92,000 to help develop his work in automated hardware security analysis using Large Language Models.

The award, part of Google’s global initiative to foster early-career research excellence, will support Dr Peace’s efforts to revolutionise how hardware vulnerabilities are detected and mitigated before chips reach the manufacturing stage.

The is designed to empower early-career professors conducting research in fields relevant to Google, including computer science, artificial intelligence, and hardware security.

Each year, the program provides unrestricted gifts of up to US$60,000 to selected academics, enabling them to advance their research agendas and foster world-class innovation at their institutions. 

The program is highly competitive, with recipients selected based on the potential impact of their work and their ability to address pressing global challenges. Dr Pearce is one of just three Australians selected, with only 81 chosen across the world. 

Dr Pearce’s research project will explore how artificial intelligence — specifically, Large Language Models — can be harnessed to advance the detection of critical flaws in the design of computer chips (integrated circuits).

Early detection of vulnerabilities

The goal is to develop an open-source framework of AI agents tailored to hardware design, enabling early detection of security vulnerabilities and design mistakes before chips are fabricated — saving time, cost, and reducing risk.

“I’m delighted and honoured to receive this award for this project,” Dr Pearce said.

“In addition to unlocking new capabilities, discretionary funding awards such as those provided by the Google Research Scholar Program enable tremendous and beneficial flexibility when it comes to expanding the scope and ambition of academic research.

“This support is instrumental in our work exploring novel, high-risk, high-reward ideas that could reshape how we think about hardware security.

“This work is vital. Computer chips power the modern world, forming the brains of everything from vehicles and smartphones to medical devices and kitchen appliances. Yet, as these systems grow more complex and interconnected, the risk of subtle but serious design errors increases.

“Some of these flaws can be exploited by attackers to steal data, compromise systems, or disrupt services. By creating powerful AI tools to assist designers at the earliest stages, this research aims to ensure that the next generation of electronic devices remain safe and secure.”

Launched to support early-career faculty worldwide, the Google Research Scholar Program provides unrestricted funding for research in areas of strategic interest to Google. The program aims to foster long-term collaborations and accelerate the pace of discovery by investing in promising academics at the start of their careers. 

Awards are made as gifts to the recipient’s institution and are intended to be used within the academic year to advance the specific research.