UK : University of Plymouth PhD Studentship on Human-Robot Interaction

Centre for Interactive Intelligent Systems (CIIS)

School of Computing, Communication and Electronics

FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a PhD Studentship on human-robot interaction to allow robots to learn concepts and language through human-robot tutelage. This research is part of the new EPSRC funded CONCEPT project (Linguistic and direct transmission of concepts in robot-human networks, more on http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/SoCCE/CONCEPT/

You will focus on robot-human interaction, and will be tasked with setting up a robotic experiment, implementing interface software, studying and implementing visual processing for object recognition in space and time, studying and implementing the human-robot interaction for learning through linguistic interaction and running the experiments on the robotic setup. Your work will lead to a doctoral degree on human-robot interaction for social and linguistic learning.

You will join a strong international research team studying cognitive aspect of robots, see for example http://www.italkproject.org/

You should have a strong interdisciplinary interest in cognitive science, artificial intelligence and robotics and should have, or expect to obtain, a high grade Bachelors or Masters Degree in Computer Science and/or Robotics or a related field. You must have good programming skills and a strong motivation for research.

Full-time Home/EU tuition fees will be paid for the duration of the 3 year studentship. Overseas applicants are welcome to apply but should be aware that, if successful, they must be able to cover the difference between Home/EU and Overseas fees (approximately £6550) for the duration of the studentship.

The stipend for the studentship is at the standard EPSRC rate, which is currently £12940 (note that the stipend is not subject to UK income tax). Funding commences on 1 October 2008.

Informal enquiries regarding the project can be made to Dr Tony Belpaeme by email tony.belpaeme@plymouth.ac.uk or call 01752 586212.

To apply for this studentship please download an application form from www.plymouth.ac.uk/pghowtoapply. Please return your application form with copies of your qualifications and transcripts, two academic references, English language qualification (if appropriate), a covering letter and CV to:

Mrs C Watson, Research Administrator
Faculty of Technology
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus, Plymouth
Devon PL4 8AA
c.watson@plymouth.ac.uk tel: 01752 586040

CLOSING DATE: 12 NOON, MONDAY 18 AUGUST 2008

UK : Full-time PhD Studentship in Geomicrobiology, CEPSAR open university

Faculty of Science

Three years from 1 October, 2008
Based in Milton Keynes

“Microorganisms in Civil Engineering (MICE)”, funded by the Leverhulme Trust

Many microorganisms are capable of precipitating minerals in the natural environment. The aim of this project is to understand how this occurs at the nano- and micro-scale and to investigate whether it could be used in practical civil engineering projects. The project will use carbonate-precipitating organisms to study the characteristics and formation of precipitated minerals in the laboratory. The project will appeal to an individual with initiative interested in linking nanotechnology to microbiology and developing future activity in this area. You should have a good honours degree in a biological science. Experience in microbiology and/or SEM and similar analytical methods would be highly advantageous.

Closing date: 22nd August 2008

Informal enquiries to Prof. Charles Cockell (c.s.cockell@open.ac.uk)

For detailed information, and to apply email p.punchihewa@open.ac.uk or telephone on 01908 655808. Details of the geomicrobiology research group can be found at http://cepsar.open.ac.uk/pers/c.s.cockell

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Further Details

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Germany : University of Heidelberg 2 PhD scholarships

The Cluster of Excellence "Asia and Europe in a Global Context: Shifting Asymmetries in Cultural Flows" at the University of Heidelberg is offering
2 PhD scholarships within the Junior Research Group "Asymmetries in Cultural Information Flows: Europe and South Asia in the Global Information Network since the Nineteenth Century".

The PhD students will be expected to develop a PhD project with the Junior Research Group's research focus. The research group primarily examines how the emergence of a global telecommunication network in the late nineteenth century altered information flow patterns between South Asia and Europe and transformed action and event horizons on both sides of the communication process.

The PhD students will work within the framework of these subprojects:

• "‘Telegram Style': Shifts in Transcultural Knowledge and Colonial Decision-Taking" (British colonial history, South Asian history and/or communication studies)
• "Shifting Horizons: The Local Impact of Telegraphy in Nineteenth-Century South Asia" (History, South Asian Literature/). Mastery of a local language will be necessary.

General information on the Cluster of Excellence can be found at http://www.vjc.uni-hd.de. It is highly recommended to contact the JRG leader, Roland Wenzlhuemer, to obtain further details about the research design of the Junior Research Group and the subprojects.

Applicants will have an excellent academic standing and be interested in completing a doctoral degree at the University of Heidelberg. Applicants are required to hold a Masters degree or equivalent by 1 October 2008. The positions available are open to both EU and overseas students.
The scholarships will start on 1 October 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter. They are awarded for two years with a possible renewal for another year after successful evaluation. The scholarship includes a stipend of EUR 1.000 per month and access to travel funds. Applications from women, ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged. For further information please contact roland.wenzlhuemer@staff.hu-berlin.de.

Please send a CV, copies of university degrees, two letters of recommendation and a short PhD project outline of no more than 1.000 words to the address below. Electronic applications are welcome. Interviews will begin on 18 August 2008 and continue until the positions are filled.

Contact details for enquiries and submission of application:
Dr. Roland Wenzlhuemer
Centre for British Studies
Mohrenstrasse 60
10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 30 2093 5330
Email: roland.wenzlhuemer@staff.hu-berlin.de

Australia : Eskitis PhD Scholarship Griffith University Australia

The Discovery Biology Department of Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies is offering a highly motivated individual the opportunity to undertake a PhD to identify and characterise novel drug targets in parasites. Scholarships are being offered for research into the identification of new drug targets for either Malaria or African Sleeping Sickness. The successful candidate will be part of a growing team focussed on Tropical Disease Drug Discovery in the laboratories of Assoc Prof Avery. The candidate will have the opportunity to utilise a diverse range of technologies available within Eskitis.

This scholarship is offered once only to one person. Open for applications from July 7, 2008 until August 4, 2008.

Payment Information
The value of this scholarship is AUD25000 (per annum). This award is to be used for living expenses. This scholarship is paid fortnightly for the period of 3 years.

Research Information
This scholarship is for one of the following fields of research: Biochemistry and cell biology, Biotechnology or Other biological sciences. It is required that your study starts no earlier than July 7, 2008 and no later than December 31, 2008.

Eligibility
This scholarship is for study in Australia for those who have achieved Honours 1 or equivalent.

Application Details
To apply for this scholarship you must apply direct to faculty. Terms and conditions are subject to change. Always confirm details with scholarship provider before applying.

Contact
Vicky Avery (Associate Professor)
Eskitis Institute, Griffith University
Email: v.avery@griffith.edu.au
Web Site: www.griffith.edu.au/science/eskitis-institute-cell-molecular-th

Mexico : India-Mexican Government Scholarship 2009

The Government of Mexico have offered 6 scholarships for Indian nationals for the year 2009 for studies at a Mexican University or any institution of higher education in Mexico. The scholarships would be available for studies in the following subject fields

1. Agriculture
2. Architecture
3. Biotechnology
4. Environment Science
5. Latin American Studies;
6. Spanish Literature
7. History.
8. Economics
9. Psychology
10. Geography

Since, the medium of instructions would be Spanish Language, it would be mandatory that all applicants are able to speak Spanish at the time of submitting their applications. Only in exceptional cases, the Government of Mexico might consider to exempt this pre-requisite to the student if he agrees to undergo 6 months course in Spanish language prior to the start of the regular study.

Age: Below 26 years for P.G. (Masters) & below 30 years for Ph.D. as on 31.7.2008

Level Of Study: Post-graduate and Ph.D.

Qualification: Should have Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with minimum 65% marks in relevant subject for Post-graduate studies. The candidate should have Post-graduate Degree with minimum 65% marks in relevant subject for Ph.D.

Scholarships Include
Enrollment and school fees, where applicable.

Monthly allowance, equal to:

1. 4 D.F. (Federal District-Mexico City) minimum wages for a Specialty, Master's or Master's-level research, as well as for studies in the Spanish language and Mexican culture. This currently amounts to $6,310.80 pesos.
2. 5 D.F. (Federal District-Mexico City) minimum wages for a doctorate or doctoral research, as well as postdoctoral visits, medical specialties or subspecialties, and expert and artistic visits. This currently amounts to $7,888.50 pesos.

Medical insurance coverage from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), effective as of the third month of the scholarship, as long as scholarship grantees comply with the delivery of the documentation requested in due time and manner in order to proceed with their admission into the IMSS system.

At the beginning of the scholarship, transportation from Mexico City to the location of the academic institution where the grantee is to study, and transportation from there back to Mexico City upon termination of the scholarship.

The air travel New Delhi-Mexico-New Delhi must be covered by the respective candidate unless otherwise specified.

Any expenses not stipulated in the foregoing shall be payable by the scholarship grantee, including: costs involving study incorporation and revalidation costs; costs for printing of the thesis; graduation and degree-procurement processing fees; costs of registration in the National Register of Foreigners; and visa renewal fees.

Application on plain paper (in prescribed format) along with photocopies of educational certificates (including proof of age) and other documents, with a copy of recent passport size photograph pasted on the application, should reach "The Section Officer, ES.5 Section, Department of Higher Education, A.2/W.4, Curzon Road Barracks, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110 001? by 31.7.2008. Applications received after 31.7.2008 will not be entertained. Applications can also be submitted online at the Department website www.education.nic.in by 31.7.2008.

Further Scholarship Information and Application

USA: PhD Student Positions in DNA Repair Mechanisms, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

PhD student positions at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA

PhD assistantships are available to study DNA repair mechanisms in eukaryotic cells. All tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses will be paid. Candidates with experience in the fields of microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related areas are encouraged to apply. Minimum criteria for admission include >3.0 GPA, and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of >1100. For international students, a minimum TOEFL score (computer version) of >250 (or >100 internet version or >600 paper version) is required. Please send CV and address enquiries to:

Dr. Shisheng Li
Assistant professor
Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

Phone: 225 578 9102
Fax: 225 578 9895

Email: shli[ at ]vetmed.lsu.edu

Italy: Master Scholarships in Design, Master Politecnico di Milano

Research of eligible students’ for masters Scholarships
Master Politecnico di Milano www.polimi.it

POLI.design – Consorzio del Politecnico di Milano addresses your institution, which is a relevant reference point in the cultural and commercial exchange with Italy.
www.polidesign.net

POLI.design requests your cooperation in propagating news about qualified opportunities of post-university training:

MDS - Master in Strategic Design. Design of the Value Offering (in cooperation with MIP Politecnico). – 1st level – 10th edition, held in English. Duration 13 months. Design, management, technology and empowerment, for those oriented to work on the borderline between design and management. www.polidesign.net/mds

MBC - Master in Brand Communication, the Project, the Construction and the Brand Management (in cooperation with AssoComunicazione) – 1st level – 8th edition. Duration 12 months. To manage the strategic thought of the brand as a Strategic Planner, Product Manager, Account and Media manager. www.polidesign.net/mbc

MA&C - Master in Art Direction e Copywriting. The creative couple of the future – 1st level – 2nd edition. Duration 12 months. From advertising to global communication, with 11 art directors of important agencies, for the communication of the brand of the future. www.polidesign.net/mac

MDSPI - Master in Design for the Development of the Industrial Product – 1st level – 2nd edition. For the Product Design specialists, to run the entire procedure of realization of industrial products, from their conceiving to their production. www.polidesign.net/mdspi

The complete information about the masters and the courses is on line in the site www.polidesign.net

For each of these courses our Academic Partners offer some scholarships to the eligible foreign, designers students and architects interested in specializing in Italy.
In order to be considered for a scholarship it is necessary to send a curriculum vitae by 10th september 2008 and have a fairly good knowledge of the Italian language.

For further information you may contact us at the phone number +39 02 23995864 or e-mail address: formazione[ at ]polidesign.net

Deadline: 10th september 2008