Theoretical Computing Science

Theoretical computing science is working on the treatment of concurrent distributed systems, specifically on Petri net theory and its integration with process algebra approaches; real-time temporal logic and its applications; formal specification and verification of complex software systems and algebraic models of computation.

Petri Nets

An emphasis is put on the investigation of compositionality in system structure and behaviour. The group also collaborates with McMaster University in Canada on general non-sequential semantics of concurrent systems. Research on Petri net theory, and its integration with process algebra approaches, was carried out in the framework of the Caliban ESPRIT Working Group and is presently continued within the British-German ARC project BAT (Box Algebra with Time).

Applicable Formal Methods

Research on applicable formal methods includes an EPSRC award on techniques which allow system developers to take full advantage of specification modularity in conducting refinement proofs. An ESSI project (ConForm) in conjunction with the Centre for Software Reliability and British Aerospace, is seeking to measure the effectiveness of formal specification in the development of a security-critical system.

Hybrid Systems Theory

Research on hybrid systems theory has been conducted in the SCHEMA Project (funded by EPSRC) which aims to define a mathematical framework for the modelling, analysis and synthesis of systems which contain both discrete and continuous variables.

Algebraic Specification

Research on algebraic specification is concerned with investigating the formal design of computer systems using higher-order algebraic methods and the extension of these methods to allow problematic phenomena such as polymorphism, partiality and exception handling to be modelled.

The School intends to continue to increase its involvement in theoretical computing science research. Much of the work will be in collaboration with our other research groups, and in particular with the Dependable Computing Systems Centre. It is expected that work on concurrency will be carried out in collaboration with European research centres specialising in Petri net theory.

More information about the group can be found on their website.

People

Group Leader and Contact Point

Prof. Maciej Koutny, Professor

Academic Staff

Dr. Peter Andras, Reader

Dr. John Fitzgerald, Reader

Prof. Michael Harrison, Director of Informatics Research Institute

Dr. Chris Holt, Lecturer

Prof. Cliff Jones, Professor, Research Director

Prof. Maciej Koutny, Professor

Dr. Marta Pietkiewicz-Koutny, Lecturer

Prof. Peter Ryan, Professor

Dr. Jason Steggles, Lecturer

Research Associates

Jeremy Bryans

Joseph Coleman

Neil Henderson

Victor Khomenko

Apostolos Niaouris

Alexander Romanovsky

PhD Students

Richard Achmatowicz

Saad Alfoudari

Martin Ellis

Nigel Jefferson

Visiting Staff

Dr. Jon Burton, Guest Member of Staff