Computational abstraction for biologically plausible models of reasoning

About the Project

Project Description

AI research today adheres to a data-first paradigm. From a　mathematical perspective, however, data can be seen as a product of models, i.e., mathematical assumptions such as structures, variables, and parameters, underlying AI systems.

In this project, we hypothesise that the mismatch between the data-first paradigm and this model-first approach is a fundamental cause of various important problems in AI, such as excessive computational resources, lack of transparency, hallucinations, unifying learning and reasoning, unifying logic and probability, grounding symbolic reasoning in data, and human-like AI.

This project pursues data-first approaches to the data-first paradigm. Specifically, we test the hypothesis using the abstractive inference [1,2,3,4,5], where inherently abstract models are derived from inherently concrete data through a process of abstraction, i.e., selective ignorance.

This project is suitable for those who are interested in developing new interdisciplinary theory of inference, making machine learning systems more data efficient, making logic fully data driven, making robots perform cognitive tasks, or providing neuroscience with more reliable data analysis methods.

The project will expose the successful student to the interdisciplinary field across logic, probability, machine learning, robotics, and neuroscience, where important open questions remain unsolved. Under the research outline, the project will provide the successful student with the opportunity to follow their curiosity and to carry out research into something they are interested in.

Keywords: Probability, Logic, Machine learning, Neuroscience

How to Apply

This project is accepting applications all year round, for self-funded candidates.

Mode of Study: Full-time or part-time

Please submit your application viaComputer Science and Informatics - Study - Cardiff University

In the funding field of your application, indicate “I am applying for a self-funded PhD in Computer Science and Informatics”, and specify the project title and supervisors of this project in the text box provided.

Academic criteria: A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree or a master's degree, in computing or a related subject. Applicants with appropriate professional experience are also considered. Degree-level mathematics (or equivalent) is required for research in some project areas.

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Students who do not have English as a first language must prove this by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skills component. A full list of accepted qualifications is available here: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate

If you are interested, please contact Dr Hiroyuki Kido (kidoh@cardiff.ac.uk) sending your CV in the first instance. The application process requires you to develop an individual research proposal**jointly with the supervision team, which builds on the information provided in this advert.

Once you have developed the proposal with support from the supervisors, please submit your application following the instructions provided below.

Please submit your application viaComputer Science and Informatics - Study - Cardiff University

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:

• In the ‘Research Proposal’ section of the application enter the name of the project you are applying to and upload your Individual research proposal. Your research proposal should not exceed 2000 words, including references and bibliography.
• A personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer).
• A CV. Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindAPhD website.
• Qualification certificates and Transcripts - original and English translation, if applicable.
• References x 2 which should be academic references. Please note you need to provide the reference documents as part of your application.
• Proof of English language (if applicable).

Interview– If the application meets all ofthe entrance requirements listed above, you will be invited to an interview.

Funding Notes

This project is offered for self-funded students only, or those with their own sponsorship or scholarship award. Where applicable, candidates will be required to cover the cost of a student visa, the healthcare surcharge, and any other costs of moving to the UK to study. These costs will not be covered by the School of Computer Science and Informatics.