[alife] PhD (Research) Studentship in Information-Based Self-Motivated Learning in Robots

[Daniel Polani]

Apologies in advance for multiple postings.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

			Research Studentship

		     University of Hertfordshire
	      Science and Technology Research Institute

Applications are invited from candidates for a PhD studentship on
self-motivated learning in robots based on information-theoretical
principles.

Project and Requirements:

Based on a class of recently developed information-theoretic
techniques and models, the project will study candidate mechanisms for
the generation of biologically plausible self-motivated learning and
behaviour dynamics for robots. The project will involve the
intrinsically driven identification of intelligent behaviours based on
informational criteria, and their incremental acquisition, refinement
and expansion.  The methods will be first developed in simulated
robots and will then ideally be transferred to hardware robots.

The prospective candidates should have a keen interest in contributing
to a new and dynamic research area and a strong background in Computer
Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics or another relevant
computational discipline. In particular, they should demonstrate very
strong programming skills in one or more major computer languages. A
good mathematical/numerical background would be desirable, ideally
including probability theory and data modelling/neural network
techniques.

Successful candidates may be eligible for a research studentship award
from the University (equivalent to £12,940 per annum bursary plus the
payment of the standard UK student fees).

The envisaged research will take place in a vibrant and enthusiastic
research environment as a part of the Adaptive Systems Research Group
in the School of Computer Science at the University of
Hertfordshire. The university is located in Hatfield, less than 25
minutes by train from London Kings Cross and with convenient access to
Stansted, Luton and Heathrow airports and not far from the historic
town of St. Albans.

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

For further information on the application process and an application
form, contact

  Mrs Lorraine Nicholls 
  Research Student Administrator
  STRI, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences
  University of Hertfordshire
  College Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, UK.  

  Tel: 01707 286083 
  Fax: 01707 284185 

or email:

  L.Nicholls at herts.ac.uk

The short-listing process will begin on 25th July 2007, but earlier
application is encouraged.