Michael Brown



Canada Research Chair in Computer Vision

Tier 1 - 2024-10-01
Renewed: 2025-04-30
York University
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council

+1 (647) 884-3125
mbrown@eecs.yorku.ca

Coming to Canada From


National University of Singapore

Research involves


Modelling image formation and on-camera processing

Research relevance


This research will allow a greater understanding of the physical environment though camera images.

Research summary


From smartphone photography to scientific imaging, digital cameras play a crucial role in capturing and interpreting the world around us. But because most camera processing pipelines—designed primarily for visually appealing photos—have changed little in two decades, their potential for scientific and medical applications is limited. Dr. Michael Brown, Canada Research Chair in Computer Vision, is reimagining camera pipeline design. He and his research team are developing artificial intelligence-driven, dual-purpose imaging systems that enhance both photographic quality and scientific accuracy.

By integrating neural networks into traditional camera processing, they are unlocking innovations in image denoising, digital zoom, and multi-frame fusion. With industry collaborations spanning Google, Adobe and Samsung—and with his lab’s technology already embedded in millions of smartphone cameras—Brown’s research is shaping the future of digital imaging. Ultimately, it is strengthening Canada’s leadership in high-tech innovation and advancing applications from medical diagnostics to space exploration.