Connectionists: PhD Studentships on Information Theory in Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life

[Daniel Polani]

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		      PhD Studentships Available on

  INFORMATION THEORY IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ARTIFICIAL LIFE

		   Adaptive Systems Research Group
		      School of Computer Science
		   University of Hertfordshire, UK

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We invite applications for PhD studentships in the Adaptive Systems
Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire: specifically,
studying principled methods (with focus on information theory) in
fundamental questions of Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life,
including principles of cognition, and emergence (origin) of life and
intelligence from first principles. Questions also include information
processing in adaptive, complex and self-organizing systems in
general, a research area which has witnessed a dramatic increase of
interest in the last years. At the same time, our goal is to adapt
these principles for AI applications and robotic devices.

Mathematical tools, with special emphasis on Shannon's information
theory are used to characterize and predict hypothesized biologically
plausible behaviour and to construct principled AI/robotic models.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  - information-theoretic treatment of the perception-action loop

  - theoretically grounded pathways towards self-organization in
    complex systems

  - origin of life and its links to physics

  - principled AI/control methods for embodied robotics

  - generic models for intrinsic motivation and artificial creativity 

  - principles underlying biological computation (with opportunities
    to collaborate with the Biocomputation Research Group)

The prospective candidates should have a very strong first degree, a
keen interest in contributing to a new, and quickly expanding research
area and an outstanding background in Computer Science, Physics,
Mathematics, Statistics or another relevant computational/quantitative
discipline. In particular, they should demonstrate excellent
programming skills in at least one major computer language. A
mathematical/numerical background would be highly desirable. Knowledge
in at least one of the following fields would be a plus: probability
theory, information theory, differential geometry, control, data
modelling/neural network techniques.

The envisaged research will take place in the vibrant, enthusiastic
and enterprising research environment of the Adaptive Systems Research
Group in the School of Computer Science at the University of
Hertfordshire; there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with
the socSMCs (Socializing Sensorimotor Contingencies, FET Open) and
WiMUST (Widely Scalable Mobile Underwater Sonar Technology) EU Horizon
2020 projects, as well as the School's successful humanoid robot
RoboCup team, the Bold Hearts.

The school offers a large number of specialized and interdisciplinary
seminars as well as general training opportunities. Research in
Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been
recognized as excellent by the latest Research Assessment Exercise,
with 50% of the research submitted being rated as world leading or
internationally excellent.

The University of Hertfordshire is located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire
UK which is considered the "northern green belt" of London. Hatfield
is close to London (less than 25 minutes by direct train to Kings
Cross), has convenient access to Stansted, Luton and Heathrow
airports, and, via the nearby historic town of St. Albans, also to
Gatwick airport.

Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award
from the University (which includes approximately GBP 14,250 per annum
bursary and the payment of the standard UK/EU student fees).
Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible, but will have to
pay half of the overseas fees out of their bursary. 

Closing date for application is the 30. May 2016, though excellent
applications may be considered after that date. 

For informal inquiries on the research topic please contact: Dr.
Daniel Polani (E-mail: d.polani at herts.ac.uk)

Application forms are available from Lorraine Nicholls
(l.nicholls at herts.ac.uk) or under the following link:

  http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science

and should be returned to: 

  Mrs Lorraine Nicholls
  Research Student Administrator, STRI 
  University of Hertfordshire
  College Lane
  Hatfield, AL10 9AB Herts  
  Hertfordshire 
  UK
  
  Tel: +44 1707 286083
  Email: l.nicholls at herts.ac.uk

Applications should also include two references and transcripts of
previous academic degrees.