[11/07/2025] The University of Edinburgh has conferred an honorary doctorate on Professor Peter Dayan, a distinguished scholar in the field of computational neuroscience and machine learning. The ceremony took place on 11 July at McEwan Hall. Professor Dayan was nominated for this honorary degree not only for his scientific work, but also for his outstanding mentorship of many researchers. Education and early career Professor Dayan studied mathematics at the University of Cambridge, graduating as Senior Wrangler. He went on to complete his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh in 1991, under the supervision of Professors David Willshaw and David Wallace. His dissertation, which explored associative memory and reinforcement learning, laid the foundation for his lifelong interest in neural networks and the theoretical underpinnings of learning and decision-making in the brain. At the time, artificial neural networks - originally developed to model brain function—were beginning to evolve into the basis for modern Artificial Intelligence. Each chapter of his thesis, described by colleagues as worthy of a PhD in its own right, reflected his deep engagement with both computational models and biological plausibility. Pioneering research in Computational Psychiatry Following his PhD, Professor Dayan held research positions in both the UK and the USA, collaborating with leading figures in neural network research. He has been instrumental in establishing the field of Computational Psychiatry, which applies theoretical, computational, and statistical methods to understand mental function and dysfunction. A central theme of his work is the study of how neurotransmitter systems involved in reward and punishment mirror mechanisms found in modern AI algorithms. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of the neural basis of learning and decision-making, bridging the gap between neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Recognition and leadership Professor Dayan is currently Director of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen and holds an Alexander von Humboldt Research Professorship. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Rumelhart Prize (2012) and the Brain Prize (2017). Collaboration and mentorship With over 300 publications, Professor Dayan exemplifies interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific generosity. As the founding Director of the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit in London, he was known not only for shaping the research agendas of new PhD students but also for fostering a strong sense of community - encouraging daily discussions over tea.His mentorship has had a lasting impact on generations of scientists, many of whom credit him with shaping their careers through his openness, insight, and support. As an alumnus, Professor Dayan is a champion for AI at the University of Edinburgh, and this honour is particularly timely as the University just celebrated 60 years of AI and Computer Science and launched the Generative AI laboratory. Furthermore, his dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and his mentorship of future scientists have left an enduring impact on the University and, more broadly, the scientific community, making him a deserving candidate for recognition and an honorary degree. Professor David Willshaw Emeritus Professor, School of Informatics, Peter’s PhD supervisor Related links Peter Dayan’s interview as part of the 60 years of computer science and AI cele… Tags 2025 Award Publication date 14 Jul, 2025
