本期为大家推荐谢菲尔德大学、阿尔伯塔大学2026最新奖学金项目介绍。
1、谢菲尔德大学
Improving Deep Reinforcement Learning through Interactive Human Feedback
University of Sheffield | School of Computer Science
博导：Dr Bei Peng, Dr Robert Loftin
截止日期：June 30, 2025 周一
资助的博士项目（全球学生）
About the Project
This project aims to develop new algorithms for reinforcement learning from human feedback, to effectively solve complex reinforcement learning tasks without a predefined reward function.
Deep reinforcement learning (RL) has revolutionised the capacity of autonomous learning agents to solve complex sequential decision-making problems, but applying deep RL to real-world problems remains challenging. One major obstacle is that many real-world tasks involve goals that are complex, poorly defined, or unspecified. This makes it challenging to define a suitable reward function that closely captures the long-term goal of the system, which is essential for the reward-driven learning process of an RL agent. To solve complex RL tasks without access to the reward function, reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), also known as human-in-the-loop reinforcement learning, has emerged as a promising approach.
This project aims to develop new RLHF algorithms to effectively solve complex RL tasks without access to a predefined reward function. The primary goal of this project will be the development of novel RLHF frameworks that can learn more complex behaviours in RL systems while requiring significantly less interactive human feedback than current RLHF methods. This project will also explore how to balance the richness and efficiency of feedback types, as well as how to improve learning from uncertain, incorrect, and inconsistent human feedback.
The preferred starting date for this position would be in October 2025.
Supervisor Bio
Dr. Bei Peng will join the School of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield as a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence in August 2025. She received her PhD in Computer Science from Washington State University in 2018, and then spent 2.5 years as a Postdoctoral Researcher in reinforcement learning at the University of Oxford, advised by Prof. Shimon Whiteson. Since 2021 she has been a Lecturer at the University of Liverpool. Her research aims to develop intelligent agents that can autonomously accomplish sequential decision-making tasks in complex, uncertain and dynamic environments, with or without humans in-the loop. Her work spans many topics within and related to AI, including deep reinforcement learning, human-in-the-loop machine learning, and multi-agent systems.
Dr. Robert Loftin is a Lecturer in Machine Learning at the University of Sheffield. He received his PhD in Computer Science from North Carolina State University in 2019. He then completed a post-doc with Microsoft Research Cambridge (UK), exploring the use of Reinforcement Learning in commercial games (Xbox games). He also completed a post-doc at TU Delft with Frans Oliehoek, applying game theory to human-AI cooperation.
About the School
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework 99 percent of our research was rated in the highest two categories, meaning it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are rated as 8th nationally for the quality of our research environment, showing that the School of Computer Science is a vibrant and progressive place to undertake research.
Candidate Requirements
At a minimum candidates should have a 2.1 honours undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in computer science, or a related discipline such as physics, mathematics, or engineering. Preferred qualifications are a 4 year undergraduate and/or a Master's degree in computer science or a related field.
If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component.
How to Apply
To apply for a PhD studentship, applications must be made directly to the University of Sheffield using the Postgraduate Online Application Form. Make sure you name Dr. Bei Peng and Dr. Robert Loftin as your proposed supervisor(s).
Information on what documents are required and a link to the application form can be found here - https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/applying
The form has comprehensive instructions for you to follow, and pop-up help is available.
Your research proposal should:
- be no longer than 4 A4 pages, include references
- outline your reasons for applying for this studentship
- explain how you would approach the research, including details of your skills and experience in the topic area
Funding Notes
The PhD studentship will cover standard UK home tuition fees and provide a tax-free stipend at the standard UK Research Council rate (currently £19,237 for the 2024/25 academic year) for 3.5 years. If you are an overseas student, you are eligible to apply but you must have the means to pay the difference between the UK and overseas tuition fees by securing additional funding or self-funding.
2、阿尔伯塔大学
Research and data synthesis in different topics in ecology and evolution, including meta-science & methodolgical development
University of Alberta | Biological Sciences
博导：Prof SHINICHI NAKAGAWA
截止日期：全年可申
资助的博士项目（全球学生）
About the Project
The PI will build an international hub or Centre for Open Science and Research Synthesis in Ecology and Evolution to revolutionize and improve scientific practises in ecology, evolution, and related fields, such as conservation and environmental sciences, by forming a large international collaborative network. The core interdisciplinary team will include biologists and computer and social scientists from UoA. This new lab (Centre) will conduct meta-analyses and other quantitative syntheses using all data types (e.g., citizen science data, climate data) and develop new methodologies. Therefore, we intend to lead and direct future research across many topics in ecology and evolution.
Over the next few years, the PI aims to build up a lab of ~20-25 people: postdocs, graduate students, research assistants, and a lab manager. This lab will be a place where people work together towards the ambitious vision and to reach their highest academic and personal potential. All lab members will have opportunities to participate in and help run collaborative workshops where participants learn synthesis methods and generate the latest evidence for various topics in ecology and evolution.
Position, salary, and location:
- The appointment will be for 5 years
- The salary starts at $ $25,917/year for 5 years (guaranteed with teaching assistantships)
- Lab members will be expected to work at a newly refurbished lab space at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, one of Canada's most affordable places to live [link].
Work descriptions and duties:
- Leading research synthesis, methodological, or meta-science projects in consultation with the PI and other collaborators (on research topics that align with the applicant’s interest and skills within PI’s CERC program remit).
- Completing research projects, publishing them, and collaborating with other researchers at the Centre.
Eligibility, necessary qualifications, and qualities:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology (ecology, evolution, and environmental sciences), psychology, statistics, mathematics, computer sciences, philosophy or related fields.
- Self-motivated and eager to learn new skills. While quantitative methods can be intimidating, if you are self-driven and open-minded, we assure you that you can learn these skills and become a world-class researcher.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- We are open to applications from any country
Preferred experiences and skills:
- Coding experience is preferred but not required (e.g., in R Python, Julia, MATLAB)
- Willingness to think critically about hot topics in conservation biology and ecology.
- Prior research experience is recommended.
How to apply:
Please send the PI (Shinichi Nakagawa: shinichi.nakagawa@ualberta.ca) an email with the following attachments (or a link from which the documents can be downloaded)
- A cover letter describing experiences and research interests
- Transcripts
- Contact details of three referees (two are fine, too)
- A two-page (max) statement of research interests (please read the CERC application and discuss the link between your research interest and the CERC program).
- A one-page (max) diversity and social impact statement (describing strengths and experiences in equity, diversity, and inclusion, and/or social activities such as volunteering at learned societies and outreach activities, and/or other extra-curricular activities, and/or supervisory/teaching experiences)
- Please send the application by 31 March 2025 (first deadline, but later applications are considered)
Funding Notes
The salary starts at $ minimum guaranteed salary of $25,917/year for 5 years (top-up awards can be applied later)
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