MUST Deep Learning is a research group within the Faculty of Engineering at NWU. We perform basic and applied research in machine learning, with an emphasis on the theory and application of deep learning. Our theoretical work focuses on some of the central open questions related to how these models learn and why they perform so well. Our application domains are diverse and always involve domain partners beyond our group. Application range from assistive devices to space weather prediction to industrial applications of deep learning.
The core MUST research group is small but collaborates widely, and is active in various local and international research projects. We are also proud to host the SARChI Chair in Deep Learning, the Deep Learning node of the South African National Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR) and play a leading role in the machine learning research programme of The National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). Researchers and students from MUST participate regularly in international workshops and conferences, such as NeurIPS, AAAI the Deep Learning Indaba/IndabaX and Interspeech, we also support local conferences such as SACAIR and SATNAC.
At MUST we provide a focused, project-oriented learning environment to younger researchers, and provide senior researchers with significant freedom in choosing how they contribute to the group’s activities. Our research activities include a student lab in Potchefstroom, linking with remote students (at different university campuses or in industry) as well as a satellite research office in Hermanus, where group members and visiting scientists can spend time in an environment that is conducive towards focused research.
Contact:
MUST Operations
must.operations@gmail.com / +27 67 203 8092
MUST main student lab, Faculty of Engineering, Building N1A, 18 Calderbank Avenue, Potchefstroom
MUST satellite research lab, 311 Piet Retief Crescent, Sandbaai, Hermanus
We have concluded recruitment for postgraduate candidates in 2025. However, we are always open to considering exceptional students. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to be considered.