Robert Lieck

Dr. Robert Lieck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Durham University. He holds a PhD from the Machine Learning and Robotics Lab (now Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab) in Stuttgart/Berlin, Germany, and completed a postdoctoral position at the Digital and Cognitive Musicology Lab at EPFL, Switzerland. His research focuses on interdisciplinary applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on cognitive modelling, music cognition, and ethical AI.

Education:

• PhD in Machine Learning and Robotics, Stuttgart/Berlin, Germany (2012–2017)
• MSc Physics and Philosophy, Freie Universität Berlin

Research Interests:

• Probabilistic Modelling (Bayesian inference, graphical models)
• Neuro-Symbolic Modelling (differentiable parsing algorithms)
• Structure Learning (feature discovery, hierarchical systems)
• Applications in music analysis, medical imaging, and autonomous systems
• Ethical implications of AI in policy and legislation

Publications: Recent work includes advancements in deep reinforcement learning for diabetes management, recursive Bayesian networks, and computational models of musical expectancy. His research bridges theoretical AI with practical applications in musicology and healthcare.

Students:

• Supervising four postgraduate students: Ishaq Ibrahim, Megan Finch, Ningxiang Xie, Xiaotang Zhang

Labs: Active contributor to the Digital and Cognitive Musicology Lab (EPFL) and Durham's Computer Science research groups.