[DMANET] PhD in Machine Learning, Decision-making and Stochastic Control at the University of Hertfordshire, UK

[Apologies for multiple posts; please distribute to interested people!]

We are looking for applicants for a fully funded PhD (£19,632 per annum
bursary plus the payment of the student fees) in the areas of Machine
Learning, Decision-making and Stochastic Control at the Computer Science
Department of the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

**PhD Project**

Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have resolved
challenges once deemed insurmountable just a decade ago. The integration of
machine learning, decision-making, and stochastic control is central to
this breakthrough. This project will push the boundaries of *Continual
Reinforcement Learning* by investigating how agents can continuously learn
and adapt over time, how they can autonomously develop and flexibly apply
an ever-expanding repertoire of skills across various tasks, and what
representations allow them to do this efficiently. Addressing these
questions is crucial for creating AI systems that, despite limited
computational resources, can sustain autonomous learning and adaptation in
ever-changing environments.The selected candidate will have the opportunity
to master and contribute to the cutting-edge techniques in deep
reinforcement learning, incorporating principles from probabilistic machine
learning, such as information theory, intrinsic motivation, and open-ended
learning frameworks. The project will employ computer games as benchmarking
tools and/or apply its findings to robotic systems (in simulations or on
real-world platforms), including manipulators, intelligent autonomous
vehicles, and humanoid robots. This PhD project offers a unique chance to
explore some of the most profound and fascinating questions in AI today,
providing the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a field at
the forefront of AI research.

**Requirements**

We are looking for a student with genuine interest in Artificial
Intelligence. A background in computer science, engineering or mathematics,
together with solid programming skills, are essential requirements.
Experience in reinforcement learning, deep learning or robotics are not
mandatory but desirable, and will be considered a plus during the selection
process. The applicant will be expected to disseminate their work
publishing scientific articles and/or participating at international
conferences. To be fluent in English is mandatory.

**Where**

The PhD will take place in the Adaptive System research group of the
Computer Science department of the University of Hertfordshire, United
Kingdom. The group is specialised in probabilistic approaches to Artificial
Intelligence, used for a wide range of applications such as robotics,
video-games and cognitive modelling.

According to the Research Excellence Framework 2021, the University of
Hertfordshire is ranked in the top 25% of all UK universities for research
impact and research in Computer Science has been recognised as excellent,
with 90% of the research submitted and all of the research impact rated as
internationally excellent or world leading. The University of Hertfordshire
has ranked second in the UK 2023 Postgraduate Taught Experience survey,
providing 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 25 minutes by train to London.

**How to Apply**

The application must be done following the procedure indicated in this
website:

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

Interested applicants may want to contact Dr. Nicola Catenacci Volpi (
n.catenacci-volpi@herts.ac.uk) to discuss the project, the PhD program at
the University of Hertfordshire and details about the application process.

**Deadline**

1/5/2024

*-----------------------------------*

Dr. Nicola Catenacci Volpi, PhD

Research Fellow in Information Theory for AI & Robotics

Adaptive Systems Research Group

The University of Hertfordshire

Department of Computer Science

College Lane

Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB

United Kingdom

E-mail: n.catenacci-volpi@herts.ac.uk

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