PhD studentship on modelling language evolution using NNets and GAs

[Angelo Cangelosi]

*** EPSRC Studentship available at Plymouth University, Centre for Neural
and Adaptive Systems ***

A three year PhD studentship is available for a research project on
multi-agent computational models of the evolution of language and
communication. The modelling approach uses a combination of neural networks
and genetic algorithms. The student must have a degree in a Cognitive
Science subject, such as Psychology, Computer Science or Linguistics. A
programming background is essential (preferably in C/C++). The student
should also be strongly research oriented, particularly in the areas of
cognitive modelling and adaptive systems.

A bursary of about 6200 UK Pounds per annum will be paid to the student.
The three year studentship is funded by EPSRC (Engineering and Physical
Sciences Research Council) and managed by Dr. Angelo Cangelosi of the
Centre for Neural and Adaptive Systems at the University of Plymouth. The
studentship is available from 1 July 2000.

The research will be carried out at the Centre for Neural and Adaptive
Systems of the School of Computing of Plymouth University. The Centre,
which is led by Professor Mike Denham, has been pursuing a research
programme in the areas of computational neuroscience and neural and
evolutionary computation. The Plymouth University's School of Computing has
other research groups, such as the Engineering Design Centre, and the
Science Technology and Art Research group. More information on the Centre
and Plymouth University can be found at:
http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/soc/research/neural

For more information about this PhD studentship and the related research
project, please contact acangelosi at plymouth.ac.uk

Applications should be received before 14th April. Candidates should send a
CV, a description of motivations and the name and address of two referees to:

Carole Watson
School of Computing
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 01752 232541
Fax. +44 01752 232540
Email: c.watson at plymouth.ac.uk


----- SUMMARY OF EPSRC RESEARCH PROJECT -----

The aim of this research is to investigate and develop computational models
of the origins and evolution of language and communication. This modelling
approach will use artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms to
simulate evolving populations of interacting autonomous agents. The
simulation will focus on the investigation of key questions in the theory
of the evolution of language, such as the evolution and learning of symbols
in neural networks, the emergence and adaptive role of lexicon and syntax,
and Deacon's (1997) theory on the co-evolution of language and brain
structures. A software for the simulation of the evolution of language in
evolving population of neural networks will be implemented and used for
experimental investigations. The research has potential applications in
Robotics and Artificial intelligence for the development of adaptive and
self-organising algorithms for communication in multi-agent and multi-robot
systems. It is also of interest for the community of Computational
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science.

-------------------- Angelo Cangelosi, PhD -----------------------
 
Senior Lecturer, Centre for Neural and Adaptive Systems
        School of Computing, University of Plymouth
                             9 Kirkby Place
                     Plymouth PL4 8AA (UK)
 
                 E-mail: a.cangelosi at plym.ac.uk
      WWW: http://www.techweb.plym.ac.uk/soc/staff/
tel. (office) +44 1752 232559 (fax) 44 +1752 232540