Ashwag Maghraby visiting

Posted by chris on November 28, 2012

We are delighted to host a visit from Ashwag Maghraby from the University of Edinburgh who will be visiting us Wednesday, 28 November, 2012 and will be delivering a seminar in Wolfson on,

Bridging the Specification Protocol Gap in Argumentation

Abstract. Today, argumentation is gaining greater visibility since it is being used as part of the high-level specification of multi-agent systems (MAS). However, as we build complete MAS that involve argumentation, there is a need to produce concrete implementations in which these abstract specifications are realised via protocols coordinating agent behaviour. This creates a gap between standard argument specification and deployment of protocols. This research attempts to close this gap by using a combination of automated synthesis and verification methods. More precisely, this research proposes a means to moving rapidly from argument specification to protocol implementation, using the Argument Interchange Format (AIF is a generic specification language for argument structure) as the specification language and the Lightweight Coordination Calculus (LCC is an executable specification language used for coordinating agents in open systems) as an implementation language. The resulting system provides engineers with a means of moving rapidly from argument specification to implementation. In this presentation, I will start with a brief introduction about MAS as well argumentation. Then I will explain, by using an example, how the chosen automated synthesis and verification methods were used to close the gap between standard argument specification and deployment of protocols.

Vacancy for a Lecturer to join the group

Posted by chris on November 21, 2012

Applications are invited for a new lectureship in the Argumentation Research Group within the School of Computing at the University of Dundee.

The group’s expansion is associated with the development of new postgraduate level teaching in which the new lecturer will be expected to play a leading role. This teaching responsibility will involve development of module specifications, student recruitment, and preparation and delivery of materials in areas related to argumentation and negotiation.

The post will be held in the Argumentation Research Group in the School of Computing at the University of Dundee. The group’s research is funded by EPSRC, RCUK, JISC, the Leverhulme Trust and others, and is published in top journals such as Artificial Intelligence. We expect the new appointment to make a significant contribution to this performance, in both securing RCUK, EU and other funds, and also in publication of the highest quality research results. We expect, in particular, that applicants should have a CV which includes papers that demonstrate the very highest levels of significance, originality and rigour in REF terms.

The group is looking to complement its existing research strengths with expertise which can link argumentation with computational linguistics, rhetoric, economics or the law. Some experience with argumentation in one of these contexts is essential, as is a strong background in computer science and artificial intelligence.

At the most recent RAE, the School’s research was rated fourth in Scotland, with two thirds of its research rated world leading or internationally excellent (4* or 3*). The School also has the third highest research income per capita of any Computer Science Department in the UK. Dundee has been ranked amongst the top places in the world for scientists to work (The Scientist), and has one of the lowest costs of living in the UK.

The post will commence from 01 March 2013 (or other date by negotiation), and is permanent, subject to probation. More information is available from the research group website at www.arg.tech.

Remuneration will be at Grade 8, depending on qualifications and
experience (£37,012 – £44,166). Further details and an application pack are
available from our website: www.jobs.dundee.ac.uk Alternatively, contact
Personnel Services, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, tel: (01382) 384817 (answering machine).

The closing date for applications is 14 January 2013.
Please quote Reference number ASE/0175

Vacancy for a postdoc

Posted by chris on

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research assistant position to work on a new RCUK funded project in the Argumentation Research Group within the School of Computing at the University of Dundee.

The University of Dundee has partnered with the University of Newcastle in an RCUK Digital Economy Hub focusing on Social Inclusion in the Digital Economy (see www.side.ac.uk). As a part of this major initiative, a new collaboration has formed between the Argumentation Research Group at Dundee and the BBC. The focus of this collaboration is upon how older people in particular might engage with online resources associated with broadcast programmes. Specifically, we are interested in exploring how existing tools for online argument and debate developed using analysis of the BBC Radio 4 programme, ‘The Moral Maze’ might be extended to support and encourage engagement from older listeners.

The post will require experience with both argumentation and human centered computing, ideally with a focus on usability for excluded or disadvantaged users. Good design skills and software engineering experience will be important, as we will be deploying software with users.

The job will also involve engaging with programme makers and producers at the BBC, so a high level of professionalism and reliability is essential.

The post will be held in the Argumentation Research Group in the School of Computing at the University of Dundee. The post will commence from 01 February 2013 (or other date by negotiation), and is fixed term until 30 September 2014. More information is available from the research group website at www.arg.tech.

Remuneration will be at Grade 7, at a spinal point dependent on qualifications and experience (£29,249 – £35,938). Further details and an application pack are available from our website: www.jobs.dundee.ac.uk Alternatively, contact Personnel Services, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, tel: (01382) 384817 (answering machine).

The closing date for applications is 7 January 2013.
Please quote Reference number ASE/0176