An Integrated Neuronal Model for Visual Search Tasks

Experiments have shown that attention can influence neuronal representations. When human subjects are warned that an object will appear at a certain location in the visual field, it can be shown that the firing rate of neurons in visual cortex that correspond to that location will increase slightly. It is believed that such modulations of the neuronal representations of visual percepts lead to faster reaction times and lower search effort in a complex visual scene. Spatial-based attention is relatively well understood. When subjects are primed for a feature (such as colour) it can be shown that neuronal representations coding for that feature are affected across the visual field.<br /> <br /> This form of attention and the neuronal mechanisms behind it are less well understood. Yet, another form of attention is object-based attention. Here neurons that contribute to specific visual shapes are primed, regardless of where they are in the visual field. In a system for translation-invariant object recognition, it is hard to understand how this form of attention is implemented. In earlier work, we have modelled each of these forms of attention in isolation. Using the simulator we created to do this, you will create an integrated model that combines all neuronal mechanism into a single integrated network model. You will apply the resulting model to publicly available visual search data and to 'pop-out' phenomena. There is a possibility to contribute to running psychological experiments in this area.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Computer Science FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>An Integrated Neuronal Model for Visual Search Tasks</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/staff/390/Dr_Marc_de_Kamps">Dr Marc de Kamps</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly <em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><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" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. 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 style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 3 March 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship.</strong></p> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting 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> </ul>

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<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Monday 3 March 2025)</strong> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025)</strong> 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> – The <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> is available to nationals of China <strong>(now closed for October 2025 entry)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> 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>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </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 about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p</a><a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">hd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Marc de Kamps by email to <a href="mailto:M.deKamps@leeds.ac.uk">M.deKamps@leeds.ac.uk</a> </p>