Connectionists: Methods for Biologically Inspired Generic Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

[Daniel Polani]

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     PhD Studentships Available on

 METHODS FOR BIOLOGICALLY INSPIRED
    GENERIC ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTICS

  Adaptive Systems Research Group
     School of Computer Science
  University of Hertfordshire, UK
   Contact: Daniel Polani (d.polani at herts.ac.uk)

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The Research

We invite applications for PhD studentships in the Adaptive Systems
Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire to investigate
biologically inspired and generic approaches to Artificial
Intelligence, with applications to Robotics. We particularly focus on
information-theoretic methods to study cognitive modelling,
decision-making, feature extraction, robust and flexible control,
embodiment, intrinsic and "altruistic" motivation models, and
generalization. Also questions of origin of life and cognition from
first principles, and emergence of complexity and self-organization
are being explored.

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, Computational/Cognitive Robotics, 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 School's successful humanoid
robot RoboCup team,
the Bold Hearts.

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The School

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 provides a very stimulating
environment, offering a large number of specialised and
interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher
development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in
the green belt just north of London. Hatfield is close to Central
London (less than 25 minutes by direct train to Kings Cross), with
convenient access to Stansted, Luton and Heathrow airports, and, via
the nearby historic town of St. Albans, also to Gatwick airport.

A limited number of studentships are available for exceptional
candidates in particular areas (£15,009 per annum bursary plus the
payment of the student fees). Applicants from outside the UK or EU are
eligible.

Closing date for application is the 1. July 2019, 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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The Application

To apply, download the application form from:


https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/31105/uh-application-form.pdf

or from the link under "How to Apply" at the website:


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

Please note: You must download the application form to your computer
before you complete it. If you complete the form in the browser
window, the information you have entered may be lost when the form is
saved.

The application form should be returned to:

Lynette Spelman and 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 1 July 2019.
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