[robocup-worldwide] PhD Studentships on Principles of Cognitiion in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

[Daniel Polani]

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		      PhD Studentships Available on

   PRINCIPLES OF COGNITIION IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTICS

		   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, including their use
in robotics. This includes cognitive control, self-organization of
behaviour in novel situations and environments, emergence of contexts
through sensorimotor interaction from first principles. The research
aims at utilizing embodiment and sensorimotor interaction in a
principled way to achieve a higher degree of flexibility and
genericity in generic Artificial Intelligence and robotics.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  - information-theoretic treatment of the perception-action loop

  - theoretically grounded pathways towards behavioural
    self-organization

  - principled AI/control methods for embodied robotics

  - generic models for intrinsic motivation and artificial creativity 

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 School's successful humanoid robot RoboCup team, the Bold Hearts,
and the socSMCs (Socializing Sensorimotor Contingencies, FET Open) and
WiMUST (Widely Scalable Mobile Underwater Sonar Technology) EU Horizon
2020 projects.

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.