Introduction
Computing Science at Aberdeen has world-leading research strengths across research groups focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cybersecurity, with particular expertise in multi-agent systems, decision-making and automated reasoning, natural language generation and cybersecurity.
The Department of Computing Science currently has 37 members of academic staff, together with around 40 doctoral researchers and PhD students. Our strategic focus lies across the themes of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Trust, Identity, Privacy and Security (TIPS), and our researchers work at the intersection of theory and application within these areas.
Research groups include:
- Agents
- Cybersecurity
- Human-Centred Computing
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Generation and Computational Linguistics
Within AI, application domains include cybersecurity, energy, food technology and healthcare, while theoretical research encompasses human/machine collaboration, natural language technologies and explanation, as well as machine learning and multi-agent systems.
The TIPS theme focuses on computational trust and reputation systems; cybersecurity; provenance; and blockchain technologies - with application areas including healthcare and the digital economy.
Spin-out successes from the University of Aberdeen include ARRIA NLG, one of the world’s leading natural language generation companies. Our close industry links mean you will have opportunities to apply your skills through training and networking events and industrial placements organised through organisations such as the Data Lab, Intel AI Academy, IBM, Intelligent Plant, and Aberdeen City Council.
The University of Aberdeen is a member of the Turing University Network, a network of UK universities engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI. Data and AI is also one of five priority research challenges emanating from the Aberdeen 2040 strategy.
Our Research
The Department of Computing Science offers PhD opportunities in the following areas:
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
Human-Centred Computing
The Human-Centred Computing research theme is focused on understanding and improving the relationship between humans and technology. Our goal is to investigate the design and impact of a variety of technologies on individuals, communities, and societies. We are interested in identifying opportunities, challenges, and risks in the innovation of interactive and intelligent systems and tools. We use a diversity of research methods to explore how to design ethical, inclusive, and responsible computing systems that support human needs, activities, and wellbeing.
PhD Supervisors: Nigel Beacham, Ana Ciocarlan, Nir Oren, Bruce Scharlau, Arabella Sinclair.
Human-Centred Computing
Entry Requirements
To apply for this programme must have at least a good Honours degree in a related subject or discipline.
Careers
From telecommunications to biotechnology and from gaming to cutting-edge medical research, the career options for PhD graduates are extremely diverse. Recent graduates from our department have transitioned into roles across various industry sectors, both locally in the UK and overseas.
In telecommunications, our graduates find themselves at the forefront of innovation, driving the development of next-generation networks and communication technologies. In biotechnology, your expertise in data analysis and algorithm design will prove invaluable in deciphering complex biological systems and advancing medical research.
The world of computer gaming offers yet more opportunities where CS graduates use their skills to create immersive experiences and push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Meanwhile, in academic research, a PhD in computing science can address the challenges of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and beyond, to shape the future of technology and society as a whole.
Armed with a deep understanding of computational principles, Aberdeen graduates are extremely well prepared to make an impact in any environment, tackling complex problems and driving innovation with their combination of technical knowledge, adaptability and creativity.
