Connectionists: PhD Studentships on Informational Principles in Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life

[Daniel Polani]

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		      PhD Studentships Available on

INFORMATIONAL PRINCIPLES 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 to investigate
principles underlying cognition and life, specifically in context of
Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life. For this purpose, we
specifically focus on information theory as universal language of
discourse. Amongst the questions studied are origin of life and
cognition from first principles, emergence of complexity in nature,
and constraints guiding information processing in adaptive, complex
and self-organizing systems. Complementing this, our goal is to adapt
such principles for more flexible and biologically plausible AI and
robotic applications.

Our chief tools are mathematical methods with particular emphasis on
Shannon's information theory which has proven to be an extremely
powerful toolbox. A particularly striking example of the power of
information theory is Deep Learning where very recent work by N.
Tishby has shown how the Information Bottleneck can shed light on what
goes on inside Deep Networks.

In the following we list a small selection of potential PhD research
directions (not exclusive):

  - information and the organization of cognition
  - self-organization of complex systems
  - origin of life
  - links between decision-making and physics
  - principled AI methods for autonomous robotics
  - models for intrinsic motivation
  - informational principles of biological computation

The prospective candidates should have a very strong first degree; a
keen interest in delving into and contributing to a fresh and
fast-moving 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, dynamical systems, data modelling/neural network techniques.

The envisaged research will take place in the vibrant and enterprising
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 link to the WiMUST (Widely
Scalable Mobile Underwater Sonar Technology) EU Horizon 2020 project,
and especially the School's successful humanoid robot RoboCup team,
the Bold Hearts.

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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 internationally
excellent or world leading.

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 14,553.00 per
annum bursary from 1 March 2018 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 8. January 2018, 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)

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Application forms are available under the following link (see under
"How to Apply"):

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

The application form should be returned to:

Mrs Lorraine Nicholls and Mrs Emma Thorogood
Research Student Administrators
University of Hertfordshire
College Lane
Hatfield, Herts
AL10 9AB
tel: +44 (0)1707 286083

doctoralcollegeadmissions at herts.ac.uk

Applications should also include two references and transcripts of
previous academic degrees. We accept applications for self-funded
places throughout the year.

The next short-listing process for studentship applications will begin
on 8 January 2018.