PhD Project: Neural Architecture Search for Spiking Neural Networks 

Research

Interested in AI and neural networks? Then this PhD studentship may be for you! Here, the goal is to study how a new type of neural networks, so-called spiking neural networks (SNNs), can be designed to solve a given problem.

SNNs are biologically realistic NNs where neurons communicate with short pulses, triggered by action potentials, rather than with analog firing rates. Models to train SNNs using specific learning techniques exist. However, the question of how SNNs can reliably learn to classify patterns remains unanswered.

Here, the student will investigate the impact of neural architectures on the learning capability of SNNs. Biologically inspired approaches to develop such architectures will be studied and implemented. Computer simulations will be employed to assess and compare model performances.

In particular, the goals of this project are:

• Implement and conduct computer simulations of learning in SNNs

• Computationally analyse and compare simulation results

• Carry out thorough statistical tests resulting in reproducible and optimised methods

• Interact with other computational and neuroinformatics researchers

Training

You will undertake training that will lead towards a PhD and allow you to gain various skills and expertise to strongly support your future career, whether in industry or academia. Students will be supported in publishing their research and encouraged to present it at international conferences. The student will be integrated within the Nature-Inspired Computing and Engineering Research Group at Surrey's Computer Science Research Centre (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/nature-inspired-computing-and-engineering-research-group).

The student will be supervised by Dr Roman Bauer and Prof. Ferrante Neri, all at the University of Surrey. Moreover, there will be collaboration with other relevant researchers. Hence, it is crucial for the student to be a team player and to have good communication skills.

Eligibility and how to apply

Applicants need to have Chinese citizenship.  Detailed information on the PhD studentship can be found here. 

Applicants should have a STEM background. Neuroscience knowledge is not required but is an advantage. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make contact with the supervisors directly to discuss the project while they are preparing their applications. To this end, please send to Dr Roman Bauer (r.bauer@surrey.ac.uk) and/or Prof. Ferrante Neri (f.neri@surrey.ac.uk) your CV and arrange an informal discussion.