Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics

Open Opportunities

Comparing Human and Meta-RL Learning Strategies Using Cognitive Latents University of Zurich Christian Ruff This thesis aims to bridge the gap between human decision-making under uncertainty and artificial intelligence. Building upon recent neuroimaging research from our group on how the human brain processes probability and uncertainty of motivational events, this project will investigate whether meta-reinforcement learning (meta-RL) models can accurately replicate these complex neural computations and match human performance on a specific Pavlovian task. Ultimately, the goal is to understand the similarities and differences in how AI and biological intelligence handle learning and decision-making in uncertain environments. Computer Perception, Memory and Attention, Neurocognitive Patterns and Neural Networks, Neurosciences, Simulation and Modelling Master Thesis

Agile Flight of Flexible Drones in Confined Spaces University of Zurich Robotics and Perception The project aims to create a controller for an interesting and challenging type of quadrotor, where the rotors are connected via flexible joints. Control Engineering, Flight Control Systems, Intelligent Robotics, Systems Theory and Control Master Thesis, Semester Project

Vision-Based World Models for Real-Time Robot Control University of Zurich Robotics and Perception This project aims to use vision-based world models as a basis for model-based reinforcement learning, aiming to achieve a generalizable approach for drone navigation. Computer Vision, Intelligent Robotics, Simulation and Modelling Master Thesis, Semester Project

Vision-Based Reinforcement Learning in the Real World University of Zurich Robotics and Perception We aim to learn vision-based policies in the real world using state-of-the-art model-based reinforcement learning. Computer Vision, Flight Control Systems, Intelligent Robotics Master Thesis, Semester Project

How does the environment affect economic decisions? University of Zurich Philippe Tobler Do you feel more in the mood to book a ski weekend on a sunny Monday or a rainy Monday? Our decisions can be influenced by many factors—including the environment around us. This study explores how non-social environmental factors, such as current and past weather and temperature, influence economic decision-making, including risk-taking, choice consistency, and rationality. We aim to develop a data analysis pipeline for processing large datasets with multiple features, using machine learning techniques like lasso and ridge regression to identify key predictors of economic behavior. The project involves parameter tuning, assumption checking, and feature selection to ensure robust, interpretable models. If time permits, weather data will be scraped from the web based on geolocation to further enhance the analysis of environmental conditions. By investigating how these contextual factors shape economic decisions, we aim to provide insights into the dynamic forces influencing individual choices, challenging the view of economic preferences as stable dispositions. Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Economics Master Thesis, Semester Project

Ph.D. Position in AI for Good in the Context of News Recommender Systems  University of Zurich Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems The Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems Group at the University of Zurich is looking for motivated applicants who are interested in investigating how news recommender systems can have a more diverse coverage of recommended items from a societal perspective, be fair and transparent, and provide more control to users using modern technologies such as generative AI. Computer-Human Interaction PhD Placement

Ph.D. Position in Generative AI in the Context of News Recommender Systems University of Zurich Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems The Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems Group at the University of Zurich is looking for motivated applicants who are interested in developing personalized news recommender systems using generative AI technology. Computer-Human Interaction PhD Placement

Meta-model-based-RL for adaptive flight control University of Zurich Robotics and Perception This research project aims to develop and evaluate a meta model-based reinforcement learning (RL) framework for addressing variable dynamics in flight control. Artificial Intelligence and Signal and Image Processing, Engineering and Technology Master Thesis

Language-guided Drone Control University of Zurich Robotics and Perception Explore the use of large vision language models to control a drone. Engineering and Technology, Intelligent Robotics Master Thesis, Semester Project

Advancing Space Navigation and Landing with Event-Based Camera in collaboration with the European Space Agency University of Zurich Robotics and Perception In this project, you will investigate the use of event-based cameras for vision-based landing on celestial bodies such as Mars or the Moon. Engineering and Technology Master Thesis