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

[Daniel Polani]

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		      PhD Studentships Available on

INFORMATIONAL PRINCIPLES IN 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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We invite applications for PhD studentships in the Adaptive Systems
Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire to investigate
principled approaches for developing Artificial Intelligence models
and intelligent robotics. We specifically focus on a core toolbox from
information theory where our goal is to adapt informational principles
to develop novel, highly flexible and, at the same time, biologically
plausible AI and robotics. As 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 be used to
"look into" and express what goes on inside Deep Networks.

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

  - information and the perception/action cycle
  - links between information theory and control theory, e.g.
    informationally parsimonious behaviour (cheap control)
  - principled methods for intelligent autonomous robotics
  - generic models for intrinsic motivation ("behaviour without
    external tasks"); empowerment
  - systematic characterization of good embodiment
  - principled and operational approaches towards robust behaviour in difficult
    environments; flexible and safe robotics 
    (see e.g.: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2017.00025/full)
  
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, Computational/Cognitive
Robotics 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 and enthusiastic 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.