[agents] PhD studentship in game theory and machine learning, University of Liverpool, UK

[Tuyls, Karl]

PhD Studentship in game theory and machine learning
£14,057 Stipend pa

School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science

Closing date for receipt of applications: Wed, 17 Jun 2015 17:00:00 BST

Fully funded Phd position in Game Theory and Machine Learning

This position is defined in the context of the recently started Ariadna study at the computer science department of the university of Liverpool, in collaboration with the Advanced Concepts Team (ACT) of the European Space Agency (ESA):  ‘Game Theoretic Analysis of the Space debris Removal Dilemma’  This study aims to analyse space debris removal activities from a strategic, game-theoretical  perspective. Space debris is defined as non-manoeuvrable, human-made objects orbiting Earth.  In some orbits, space debris poses a significant collision risk for an operational spacecraft,  especially in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Currently, there are more than 23,000 objects larger than  5-10cm in Earth orbit.

Within the Clean Space initiative ESA is investigating active debris removal in addition to mitigation measures to keep the growth of space debris limited. In cooperation with the national space agencies and industry partners, ESA is developing mission concepts to clean up and deorbit space debris. This study contributes to this initiative. Specifically, the objective is three-fold,  one, to model debris accumulation and active removal efforts as a dynamic game, two, to determine  the optimal time-dependent policies or behaviour assuming both cooperative and self-interested  players, and three, to propose a mechanism to steer the dynamics of the game to a desirable  outcome. It is expected that such a study will provide a deeper understanding of the space debris problem and its potential (economic) ramifications, and will provide an outlook on potential  game-theoretic solution strategies.

The investigation will involve mostly (evolutionary) game theory, machine learning, mechanism design and some experimental simulation work.

The candidate must have a passionate interest in game theory and/or machine learning, and an interest in space applications.

Prospective candidates must have at least a 2.1 or above Bachelor degree in a relevant subject (Computer science, Physics, Economics) and should enjoy mathematical work. Good programming skills are required.

The funding covers EU/UK fees and stipend of approximately £14,057pa for a total of 3 years.  For informal enquiries please contact prof. dr. K. Tuyls (k.tuyls at liverpool.ac.uk) or dr. R. Savani (rahul.savani at liverpool.ac.uk). Students can Apply online via our website https://www.liv.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/online/ please state research council funding & quote ‘CS/KTRS’