Find out more about studying Informatics: AIAI: Foundations and Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Automated Reasoning, Agents, Data Intensive Research PhD at The University of Edinburgh? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
Main Campus
Full Time
May 2026
3 Year
At the Artificial Intelligence and its Applications Institute (AIAI), we enable computer systems to reproduce and complement human abilities, work with people and support collaboration between humans.We conduct world-leading research in the foundations of Artificial Intelligence, for example, in:knowledge representation and reasoningemergence of meaningtheory and ontology changecreativitycomputer-based proofWe also research its applications to intelligent systems, for example:autonomous and multi-agent systemssocial computationscientific collaboration platformsweb semantics and linked dataOur research methods focus on the development of models of knowledge, reasoning, and interaction that can be used to understand and automate aspects of human and machine intelligence, but are also understandable and usable to the designers and users of AI systems in order to address broader issues such as fairness, accountability, transparency and safety.To achieve this, we combine theoretical research into AI models, architectures and algorithms with a strong element of applied research. This has led to a strong track record in using our methods to address real-world problems in:healthcarescientific collaborationsocial computingemergency systemstransportationengineeringaerospaceYou'll find a wide range of research areas within AIAI conducted across themes such as:Interpretable and Explainable AINeuro-Symbolic AIAutonomous and Multi-agents SystemsMathematical/Probabilistic and Logical ReasoningFormal Modelling and VerificationPlanning and Activity ManagementData-Intensive ResearchNetwork Science