Brain-inspired See-Think-Act Intelligent Machines

There is an ongoing revolution in developing autonomous intelligence machines to greatly improve effectiveness and efficiency of sensory perception, decision-making, and active control. However, there are a number of challenges raised in algorithm design, particularly regarding the core components of brain-like intelligence of see-think-act, beyond hardware. <br /> <br /> This project will create a high-risk high-reward brain-inspired real-time closed-loop platform, leveraging neural spikes, to develop efficient and effective autonomous driving methodologies and techniques. It aims to address key challenges in sensory scene understanding (&lsquo;see&rsquo;), multisensory information fusion (&lsquo;think&rsquo;), and decision-marking and active control via cloud computing (&lsquo;act&rsquo;). The aim is to develop a novel framework utilizing state-of-the-art machine-learning methodologies bolstered by computational principles of neuronal systems in the brain. Then we will create a virtual environment of simulated autonomous agents to verify the framework. In the end, we will integrate it with well-equipped autonomous robots to advance the next generation of intelligent machines. The outcome of this project will significantly change the paradigm of research and applications on the development of efficient machine vision and decision making systems in autonomous systems. It will have a wide and far-reaching impact on intelligence machines in the applications of neuroprosthesis for human wellbeing, neurorobotics for industry 4.0, and autonomous vehicles for society.<br /> <br /> The supervision team has expertise in machine learning, computational neuroscience, computer vision, virtual reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, with regularly published research papers at the very top venues in related fields.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly&nbsp;in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Computing FT</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research project you wish to be considered for is &lsquo;<em><strong>Brain-inspired See-Think-Act Intelligent Machines</strong></em>&rsquo;&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/9216/dr-jian-liu">Dr Jian Liu</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a>, <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a>, <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/195-esrc-white-rose-dtp-studentship-2023">ESRC White Rose DTP</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/53-school-of-computing-scholarship">School of Computing Scholarships</a> are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK </strong>&ndash; The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/53-school-of-computing-scholarship">School of Computing Scholarships</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/195-esrc-white-rose-dtp-studentship-2023">ESRC White Rose DTP</a>&nbsp;are available to all International applicants. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important:&nbsp;</strong> Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are not covered under this studentship.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information regarding the project, please contact: Dr Jian Liu e: <a href="mailto:j.liu9@leeds.ac.uk">j.liu9@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions:&nbsp; e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>