Jekyll2023-10-14T12:48:50+02:00https://mvaldenegro.github.io/feed.xmlMatias’ Websitepersonal descriptionDr. Matias Valdenegro-ToroQuestions from my ICML 2020 Mentorship Sessions2020-08-01T00:00:00+02:002020-08-01T00:00:00+02:00https://mvaldenegro.github.io/posts/ICML-mentoring-session<p>During ICML 2020, I offered two mentoring sessions over Zoom, which were attended by 20-25 people each. It was a great experience for me and I hope it was also great for attendees.</p>
<p>We also had asynchronous questions on Rocket Chat, here are some of the questions and my replies. I hope it is useful for more people. I have edited them a little in order to make sense for this format.</p>
<h2 id="hello-matias-my-question-is-your-advise-for-undergrads-from-not-too-strong-schools-trying-to-navigate-their-way-through-the-field">Hello Matias. My question is your advise for undergrads (from not too strong schools) trying to navigate their way through the field.</h2>
<p>Hello! This is a very good question. I will make a summary of what I said in the Wednesday session about it. You should definitely try to get some basic knowledge in your field or sub-field of interest. I would start by reading survey papers, as they explain the basic concepts and they do a review of recent research, and I think this is the best way to get into a field. Unfortunately there could be no survey paper for a specific field, in that case you can try to find blog posts or online videos about the topic, so you get a complete understanding.
Also important is to know that absorbing information always takes time, and you do not have to know or understand everything quickly. Give it time to understand and make connections between fields and ideas. This also related to Impostor Syndrome, as its easy to think you are not doing good when it is just a matter of time for you to understand a field and develop your own ideas.</p>
<h2 id="thank-you-i-have-a-question-on-a-similar-note-ie-if-there-was-any-advice-you-could-give-for-someone-that-wants-to-pursue-graduate-school-but-has-no-publications-especially-when-there-are-no-mentors-or-supervisors-to-discuss-at-school">Thank you, I have a question on a similar note i.e. if there was any advice you could give for someone that wants to pursue graduate school, but has no publications. Especially when there are no mentors or supervisors to discuss at school.</h2>
<p>You should be able to pursue graduate level education (specially a Masters) without having any papers. But in order to do this, you should not aim for the top Universities and Institutions, where it is a kind of implicit requirement. Getting educated in other institutions is completely fine and could be a way to trampoline yourself into the field. By top I mean mostly in the US and Canada right now.</p>
<p>And of course, looking for online mentorship and collaboration opportunities should always be an option. For example connecting with people at this and other conferences.
Many researchers have the problem of “having too many ideas” but not enough time/resources to try them, so sometimes just asking you might get to collaborate on a topic with someone.</p>
<h2 id="how-can-someone-without-a-supervisormentor-go-about-publishing-their-first-paper">How can someone without a supervisor/mentor go about publishing their first paper?</h2>
<p>Writing a paper without support is quite difficult, but not impossible. You could leverage books about academic writing or grammar, or digital tools that improve your grammar. But also if you have a nice idea and some initial results, then you should be able to attract people to help you.
Initially you should have ideas and skills to produce results, which also might be a problem. I know of cases of undergrads producing high quality papers to top conferences completely alone (ICLR 2017 was one case), but this requires a lot of motivation and hard work.
Finding someone to collaborate and supervise would make things much easier. You could also try to get feedback online, for example in a Forum or in Reddit, but this has a large variance, you might get not so good or discouraging comments.</p>
<p>The good thing is that writing papers is a learnable skill and you get better with it over time. Your first paper might not be your best, but that does not matter, your best work is in your future!</p>
<p>Reviewing papers is also a related skill, and there have been workshops on this, where you can get experience on what reviewers look for, so you are prepared and write your paper considering this. For example https://sites.google.com/view/making-reviews-great-again/ And also this workshop: https://www.cc.gatech.edu/~parikh/citizenofcvpr/</p>
<h2 id="hi-matias-do-you-think-there-are-other-waysskills-to-show-to-compensate-for-not-having-papers-when-aiming-to-get-into-a-great-phd-program-even-having-done-research-it-can-take-a-bit-to-have-a-paper-published-before-the-application-deadline-i-see-you-mentioned-specifically-us-and-canada-is-this-implicit-requirement-not-a-requirement-for-top-european-institutions">Hi Matias! Do you think there are other ways/skills to show to compensate for not having papers when aiming to get into a great Ph.D. program? Even having done research, it can take a bit to have a paper published before the application deadline. I see you mentioned specifically US and Canada, is this “implicit requirement” not a requirement for top European institutions?</h2>
<p>It varies a lot more in Europe than in North America, because the Education and Research Funding system work differently. Your first step in the way to a PhD is to do a Masters degree and for that you do not need to do it in the same institution, so there are more opportunities to do it in say, a middle tier institution, and then jump to a top institution for your PhD, specially if you do a good Master Thesis. With your Master thesis you have a document that can be used to compare you against other candidates, its not a paper but generally it has much work that can be published, so for PhD applications after a Masters we usually look at the candidate’s thesis.</p>
<p>And regarding the Funding System, since you do not go with a bachelors straight to PhD, and doing a PhD works in a different way than in North America, there are people that are working full-time in Industry and doing a PhD at a top institution (specially in Germany), and this is because their company has connections to the Institution (through a Professor that collaborates) or the candidate basically convinced the Professor that he can do worthy research. This is called External Candidates and since there are no tuition fees, it only depends on you and your ability to network and convince a Professor that you can do research, and generally its quite low risk for the Professor.
This is mostly possible because of the Academia-Industry relationship in Europe, and the complete lack of tuition fees. In many German Unis (but not all of them) you can even do a PhD without registering as a student, just working with a Professor in a group or related company, until you have a thesis and submit it to the University to defend and graduate.</p>
<p>I also know that for PhD applications to many top Unis in Europe (like ETHZ/EPFL, Oxford, Cambridge, etc) it is much better to have previous publications, but these are easier to get while you do a Masters degree, instead of having to prove the same with only a Bachelor’s.</p>
<p>Overall, I think that if you have papers in the pipeline, even if they are under review, you could attach them to your application or mention them in your CV, so they are considered for evaluation by admission committees. The paper does not have to be published, it should at least be complete, as they can be evaluated by Professors which should be experts in the field where you want to do your PhD (and the paper should also be in their area).</p>Dr. Matias Valdenegro-ToroDuring ICML 2020, I offered two mentoring sessions over Zoom, which were attended by 20-25 people each. It was a great experience for me and I hope it was also great for attendees.MSc/PhD Programs for International Students in Robotics and Machine Learning2020-07-01T00:00:00+02:002020-07-01T00:00:00+02:00https://mvaldenegro.github.io/posts/international-robotics-ml-programs<p>This is a semi-curated collection of Master and PhD programs in Robotics and Machine Learning. I am only including programs that are taught in English, as this is aimed for international applicants. I focus on programs outside of North America, as there is plenty of information about them and they are saturated in terms of applicants. Countries in this list generally provide better visa policies than what you usually get in North America.</p>
<p><strong>Disclaimer</strong> This is only a collection of information, there is no guarantee that it is correct, as requirements or fees might have changed over time. Please always check the links in each program for the latest official information.</p>
<h1 id="europe">Europe</h1>
<h2 id="austria">Austria</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>TU Graz - <a href="https://www.tugraz.at/en/studying-and-teaching/degree-and-certificate-programmes/masters-degree-programmes/computer-science/">Masters in Computer Science</a> A Masters more on the theoretical side of Computer Science, with electives in Robotics and AI/ML. They also have a dual degree program in AI/ML with the University of Ljubljana. Costs are around 750 € per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>TU Vienna - <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/master-programmes/computer-science/">Masters in Visual Computing</a> and <a href="https://tiss.tuwien.ac.at/curriculum/public/curriculum.xhtml?locale=en&windowId=034&key=67853">Masters in Data Science</a> Master programs in Computer Science with specializations, with a large selection of courses in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence, and courses on soft and research skills. Costs are around 750 € per semester.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="czech-republic">Czech Republic</h2>
<ul>
<li>Czech Technical University - <a href="https://kyr.fel.cvut.cz/en/masters-programme">Masters in Cybernetics and Robotics</a> and <a href="https://oi.fel.cvut.cz/en/master-program">Master Open Informatics</a> Both programs cover specializations in AI/ML/CV and Robotics, with different perspectives, like control theory, data science, sensors, etc. Students can take multiple specializations through minor subjects. Costs are around 2500 € per semester. There are scholarships available.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="france">France</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>École Centrale de Nantes - <a href="https://www.ec-nantes.fr/study/masters/advanced-robotics-coro-imaro">Masters in Advanced Robotics</a> and <a href="https://www.ec-nantes.fr/study/masters/signal-and-image-processing-coro-sip">Masters in Signal and Image Processing</a> Masters programs in Robotics and Computer Vision, with possibilities for academic exchange with partner Universities. Costs for non-EU students are 15000 € for the complete program, and there are scholarships available.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>University of Burgundy - <a href="https://www.vibot.org/msc-in-computer-vision.html">Master of Science in Computer Vision</a> A two year program in Computer Vision and Robotics, with possibilities for academic exchange with partner Universities. Costs 1500 € per year.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="germany">Germany</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>University of Freiburg - <a href="https://www.tf.uni-freiburg.de/en/study-programs/computer-science/m-sc-computer-science">Master of Science in Computer Science</a>
Masters in CS with multiple courses in AI/ML/Robotics, but for non-EU students it costs 1500 € + matriculation fee per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>University of Bonn - <a href="https://www.informatik.uni-bonn.de/en/for-students/master-of-science-in-computer-science">Master of Science in Computer Science</a>
Masters in CS with multiple courses in ML/Robotics, with several labs doing research in both disciplines. Costs only matriculation fees (290 €) per semester for all nationalities.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>TU Munich - <a href="https://www.in.tum.de/en/for-prospective-students/masters-programs/informatics/">Master of Science in Informatics</a> and <a href="https://www.in.tum.de/en/for-prospective-students/masters-programs/robotics-cognition-intelligence-msc/">Master of Science in Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence</a> Both Masters in the Computer Science Department, with many electives in all fields of AI and Robotics, and many labs doing state of the art research such as the Computer Vision Group. Costs are only matriculation fees (140 €) per semester for all nationalities. Note that the Master in Robotics requires some German knowledge, while the Master in Informatics can be completed entirely in English.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences - <a href="https://www.h-brs.de/en/inf/study/master/autonomous-systems">Master of Science in Autonomous Systems</a> A Masters in Robotics in a Computer Science Department at a University of Applied Sciences, which is more applied than a regular University, I finished this program and it is more research oriented. Courses can be taken at other local Universities, and costs are low at only matriculation fees (300 €) per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>University of Tübingen - <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/faculties/faculty-of-science/departments/computer-science/studies/studies-programs/machine-learning/">Master of Science in Machine Learning</a> A new Masters focusing in Machine Learning. This University has lots of connections with neighboring institutes like the MPI for Intelligent Systems, making it a good choice for networking. Costs are 1500 € per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Bielefeld University - <a href="https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/technische-fakultaet/studiengaenge/MA_Intelligente_Systeme/">Master of Science in Intelligent Systems</a> A Masters in general Intelligent Systems in a technical faculty with many course choices. There are exchange opportunities with the University of Bologna, and the course can be completed entirely in English. Costs are low at only matriculation fees (300 €) per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>TU Dortmund - <a href="http://www.e-technik.tu-dortmund.de/cms1/de/Lehre_Studium/Studienangebot/Master_A_R/Master_A_R_en/">Master in Automation and Robotics</a> and <a href="https://www.statistik.tu-dortmund.de/2637.html">Master in Data Science</a> Multi-faculty programs in Robotics and Data Science with a focus in Statistical Learning at a Technical University. Varied selection of courses, and costs are low at only matriculation fees (300 €) per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>University of Siegen - <a href="https://www.eti.uni-siegen.de/rst/mechatronics/">Master in Mechatronics</a> Masters program in the combination of Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, which serves as a good base for Robotics. Costs are low at only matriculation fees (300 €) per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten - <a href="https://www.hs-weingarten.de/en/web/masterstudiengang-mechatronics">Master in Mechatronics</a> Masters program in the intersection of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering, at a University of Applied Sciences, which is closer to practice than a regular University. Costs are 1500 € per semester and 150 € as matriculation fee.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Hamburg University - <a href="https://www.master-intelligent-adaptive-systems.com/">Master in Intelligent Adaptive Systems</a> Master program in Intelligent Systems from a Computer Science perspective, with a large selection of elective courses. There is no tuition fee, only a semester contribution.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Saarland University - <a href="https://www.mia.uni-saarland.de/mvc/index.shtml">Masters in Visual Computing</a> and <a href="https://saarland-informatics-campus.de/en/studium-studies/data-science-and-artificial-intelligence-master/">Masters in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence</a> and <a href="https://saarland-informatics-campus.de/en/studium-studies/master-english/">Masters in Computer Science</a> This Uni has a large computer science campus and many masters programs in fields related to AI/ML/CV and some inter-departmental collaborations such as language technology. It is a great place to do research, as there are two Max Planck Institutes (Informatics and Software Systems), one facility of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), and the Intel Visual Computing Institute, which are good candidates to do your Master Thesis and expand your network. There are no tuition fees, only a semestrer contribution of around 300 €.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>TU Berlin - <a href="https://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/menue/academics_teaching/degree_programs/computer_science/masters_program/computer_science_stupo_2015/parameter/en/">Masters in Computer Science</a> A Master’s program in Computer Science with specializations in Cognitive Systems, Data and Software Engineering, and Human-Computer Interaction, with a large selection of courses each semester. You can also take courses at the other Berlin Universities. There are no tuition fees, only a semestrer contribution of around 310 €.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="switzerland">Switzerland</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>EPFL - <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/programs/robotics/">Master of Science in Robotics</a> A master program specifically in Robotics, in English with some French electives. Cost around 700 CHF per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>ETH Zurich - <a href="https://inf.ethz.ch/studies/master/master-cs-2020.html">Master in Computer Science</a> and <a href="https://inf.ethz.ch/studies/master/master-rsc.html">Master in Robotics, Systems, and Control</a> Both programs cover Machine Learning, Robotics, and Computer Vision at a top University, with many labs doing research in these fields. Costs are around 700 CHF per semester.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="spain">Spain</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>University of Barcelona - <a href="https://www.fib.upc.edu/en/studies/masters/master-artificial-intelligence">Masters in Artificial Intelligence</a> This is a joint master program in AI/ML/CV with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and Rovira i Virgili University, which gives access to a wider selection of courses than a standard program. Costs are 2500 - 3300 € in total during 3 semesters, around 1100 € per semester.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Autonomous University of Barcelona - <a href="https://pagines.uab.cat/mcv/">Masters in Computer Vision</a> Another joint master program in ML/CV with the Open University of Catalonia, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and Pompeu Fabra University. It combines classroom and distance learning, and has ties with the Computer Vision Center of the UAB. Costs are between 2600 - 4500 € for the whole program.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="multiple-countries">Multiple Countries</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://jemaro.ec-nantes.fr/">Japan-Europe Masters on Advanced Robotics</a> A joint Erasmus Mundus Master on Robotics, in collaboration with three European and one Japanese Universities. The first year is spent in Europe, while the second year and Master Thesis is done in Japan. The complete program costs 18000 € for non-EU students, but there are scholarships available. Two Master’s degrees are awarded at the end.</li>
</ul>Dr. Matias Valdenegro-ToroThis is a semi-curated collection of Master and PhD programs in Robotics and Machine Learning. I am only including programs that are taught in English, as this is aimed for international applicants. I focus on programs outside of North America, as there is plenty of information about them and they are saturated in terms of applicants. Countries in this list generally provide better visa policies than what you usually get in North America.