Please find information about an exciting opportunity for funded MPhil/PhD research

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Lancaster University
Institute for Cultural Research

MPhil/PhD Research Studentship in Cognition, AI, Creativity and Aesthetics		
Applications are invited for a fully-funded, full-time MPhil/PhD studentship based in the Institute for Cultural Research at Lancaster University. 

Computational Intelligence, Creativity and Cognition: a multidisciplinary investigation

This AHRC-funded project will take place from 2005 to 2008.

The project, which is part of an international collaboration with the University of Sussex, University of Canberra, and the University of Technology, Sydney, involves three inter-related, multidisciplinary teams.  The first - the Art & Science team - under the direction of Phil Husbands and Paul Brown will use evolutionary and adaptive methodology to evolve a robot that can demonstrate creative drawing behaviour.  Simultaneously the AI and Cognitive team - under the direction of Margaret Boden and Ernest Edmonds will provide a theoretical base to the project and examine its implications for the fields of AI, Alife, philosophy, creativity and cognition.  A third team - the Art Theory team - under the Direction of Charlie Gere and Mitchell Whitelaw will relate to the project from the perspective of art history and critical theory.  The successful applicant will be a member of this team and will investigate the art historical, theoretical and critical aspects of the project. 

Although the research will be based in the United Kingdom there will be a number of related projects taking place in Australia and Singapore. This will mean that the appointee may have the opportunity to travel.

The studentship covers tuition fees and a maintenance award, currently of £14,000 per year (not income taxed).  A fees only award is available for EU residents.

A knowledge of contemporary theoretical approaches to aesthetics, art history and practice, an acquaintance (at least) with contemporary and/or historical electronic art practice and theory,  as well as an interest in art-science collaborations including aspects of generative and computational systems (artificial intelligence, artificial life) and/or cognition and psychology. Applicants must be UK/EU residents, and should have a first class or good upper second honours degree. A relevant Masters qualification will be an advantage.

More information can be found about the Institute for Cultural Research on its website at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fss/cultres/

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Charlie Gere, Institute for Cultural Research, Lancaster University, [log in to unmask]

Closing date: 15th July 2005

It is expected that interviews of short listed candidates will take place in the week beginning 25th July.

Application forms are available from and should be returned to June Rye, Institute of Cultural Research, County South, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YD, UK,

Tel: +44 (0)1524 592497 Fax: +44 (0)1524 594273, E-mail: [log in to unmask]  

An Equal Opportunity Employer