Connectionists: PhD-Position studentship at the University of Reading on the nature of anticipation

Slawomir Jaroslaw Nasuto s.j.nasuto at reading.ac.uk
Mon Jan 21 08:22:50 EST 2013


University of Reading PhD Studentship 

Project Title:  Fast and Furious: the nature of anticipation

Supervisor: Dr Yoshikatsu Hayashi and Prof Slawomir J. Nasuto

School/Department: School of Systems Engineering (SSE)

Overview: We make split second decisions and actions at each step of our lives. Engaging in such activities is critically dependent on ability to anticipate future outcomes. Anticipation has been postulated as one of the most generic forms of information processing in perception, motor control, and coordination of interactions with the environment or the other members of the society. Yet the nature of the anticipation mechanisms is not well understood and the fundamental assumptions behind some of the proposals are hotly debated. 

The project will develop and apply tools from nonlinear dynamical modelling and signal analysis in order to investigate the mechanisms of anticipation using motion tracking experimental paradigm where two subjects learn via interaction to perform coherently their motion. The project will also involve development of novel techniques of simultaneous EEG scanning of two subjects which will further inform us about the neural mechanisms underlying anticipation.
 
We are inviting applications from dedicated candidates enthusiastic about the research and interested in interdisciplinary study in neuroscience, cognitive science and cybernetical physics, combining experimental, analytic and computational techniques, who are also interested in potential fundamental larger questions related to their line of enquiry.  The suitable candidate should have excellent analytic skills, good familiarity with programming and be keen to develop experimental and cognitive expertise through their study.

The candidate will work as a member of the Brain Embodiments Lab - a thriving interdisciplinary research community which will offer an excellent support and possibility of interactions with researchers and students investigating the role of the close loop between brain, body and the dynamic environment in cognitive and neural information processing.

Eligibility:  Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject such as systems engineering, control engineering, cybernetics or physics. Please note that due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is for UK/EU applicants only.

Funding Details:  Studentship will cover Home/EU Fees and pay the Research Council minimum stipend (£13,590 for 2011/12) for up to 3 years. The studentship will begin in October 2013.

How to apply:    To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Cybernetics to the University - see http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/apply/pg-applicationform.aspx.

Please quote the reference GS13-14 in the 'Scholarships applied for' box which appears within the Funding Section of your online application.

Once you have submitted your application, you should receive an email to confirm receipt of your application. You should forward email confirming application receipt, along with a covering letter, to SSE Postgraduate Administrator, Mrs Nellie Round (n.round at reading.ac.uk).

Application Deadline:  Friday 15th March 2013

Further Enquiries:  Please contact Dr Yoshikatsu Hayashi : Email hayashi.yoshikatsu at gmail.com 


--------
Slawomir J Nasuto
Professor of Cybernetics
School Director of Postgraduate Research Studies 
School of Systems Engineering 
University of Reading 
Reading, RG6 6AY, 
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 118 378 6701
Fax: +44 (0) 118 378 8220






More information about the Connectionists mailing list