Introduction
We are actively seeking PhD students to join our cutting-edge research teams. With a distinguished reputation in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, we offer exceptional opportunities to work alongside world-recognized experts in multi-agent systems, natural language generation, machine learning, and blockchain.
Our research has strong links with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Data and Artificial Intelligence, which explores applications of data science and artificial intelligence across domains, providing PhD students with opportunities to collaborate with other disciplines to push the boundaries of computing science.
The University of Aberdeen boasts a long-standing reputation in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and is recognised globally for our expertise in multi-agent systems, natural language generation, machine learning, and blockchain.
Our research is structured around five major themes, each with dedicated teams and projects.
- Autonomous Agents (Agents at Aberdeen)
- Natural Language Generation and Computational Linguistics
- Machine Learning (AberdeenML)
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Human-Centred Computing
For detailed information on specific research projects, staff interests, and interdisciplinary collaborations, please visit the respective theme pages and individual staff profiles.
We are deeply committed to collaborating with industry to tackle pressing research challenges. PhD projects co-funded by industry partners can be tailored to address specific challenges faced by industry, ensuring that the research has a direct impact on improving business outcomes.
If you represent a company or organisation, you can find out more about opportunities for industrial collaboration here.
Our Research
You can apply to a pre-defined PhD. These are projects which the University has identified as strong research opportunities for high-calibre applicants. You can find out more information on these PhDs here.
You can also contact potential supervisors within the following areas to discuss a research proposal:
Research Interests
Autonomous Agents (Agents at Aberdeen)
Agents at Aberdeen (A3) is a research theme with a long history of investigating a wide variety of research topics related to autonomous agents, multi-agent systems and knowledge representation and reasoning. Our recent focus has been on exploring resilience, reliability, and coordination in autonomous multi-agent systems. We apply these techniques to a wide range of application domains, including but not limited to: emergency response, healthcare, decision-making in robotic systems, self-driving cars, explainability, and software engineering.
PhD Supervisors: Nir Oren, Bruno Yun, Felipe Meneguzzi, Brian Logan, Rafael Cardoso
Agents, Reasoning and Knowledge
Computational Linguistics in Aberdeen (CLAN)
Research interests include generating natural language from a machine representation system such as a knowledge base, logical form, or structured/unstructured dataset; analysing properties of human language; and developing, applying and evaluating NLP models across a variety of tasks, e.g., dialogue systems, language modelling, question answering, etc.
Supervisors: Professor Ehud Reiter, Dr Yaji Sripada, Anya Belz, Arabella Sinclair, Ruizhe Li, Xiao Li
Natural Language Generation and other areas of Computational Linguistics
Cybersecurity and Privacy
The University of Aberdeen Cyber Security theme (CSG) is a multi-disciplinary theme that brings together researchers with varied backgrounds to build a safer, secure and privacy-preserving future with a core value of "Technology for Good". Our research focuses on both academic and industrial aspects of cybersecurity and its applications. Our theme has a wide range of expertise in various fields. CSG's vision is to be a Centre of excellence in the UK and overseas industry/academic/government for cyber security research.
PhD Supervisors: Pradip Sharma, Wanpeng li, Raja Akram, Matthew Collinson, Edward Chuah
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Machine Learning (AberdeenML)
Research forces on data-efficient machine learning, probabilistic modeling, and autonomous decision making. Applications focus on robotics, agriculture, energy, health, etc.
Supervisors: Georgios Leontidis, Yaji Sripada, Ruizhe Li, Tryphon Lambrou, Jinya Su, Dewei Yi, Mingjun Zhong, Arabella Sinclair, Xiao Li, Shouyong Jiang
Machine Learning (AberdeenML)
AI-enabled Healthcare
AI-enabled healthcare focuses on transforming the way healthcare is by exploring how it can support improved care outcomes, patient experience, and access to digital healthcare services.
Supervisors: Yun Bruno, Dewei Yi, Ehud Reiter, Pradip Sharma, Ruizhe Li
Entry Requirements
To apply for this programme must have at least a good Honours degree in a related subject or discipline.
Careers
A PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Aberdeen offers diverse career opportunities across academia, industry, and research institutions. Many graduates continue with academic careers in teaching AI, machine learning, data science, and pursuing research projects at universities.
There are also huge opportunities in industry, for examples as a research scientist developing algorithms and machine learning models or working with data in the tech, healthcare or finance sectors. Computing Science at Aberdeen has a strong start up culture, for example, ARRIA NLG - the global leader in the field of natural language generation (NLG). A PhD in AI is a springboard for setting up your own entrepreneurial enterprise focused on innovative AI solutions, driving technological vision and development.
The strong interdisciplinary links at Aberdeen also open up career opportunities in other areas such as bioinformatics and environmental monitoring where you can apply your expertise to advancing healthcare or promoting sustainability.
