Theory and Algorithms
The exponential growth in computing power and its impact on society is well-known (“Moore’s law”). Less recognised, but still essential is the progress in theory and algorithms in the same time span. In fact, advances in computing power have been matched or even exceeded by comparable advancements in theory and algorithms. Take for example linear programming algorithms, the technology behind most of the decision-making software, from investment decisions in pensions funds, to designing airline schedules and the algorithm behind our day-to-day power grid operations.
Theoretical advances in linear programming account for speedups that are three times more those due to new hardware and programming languages. The advances in the solution of sparse systems of linear equations, which arise for example in computer animations, are just as impressive. Advances in processing power are becoming harder to come by and improvements due to theory and algorithms will become even more significant.
The research within the Theory and Algorithms theme reflects the broad applicability and impact of theory and algorithms to society. Our members are addressing fundamental and applied problems across four different groups and three centres. We are interested in algorithm design and analysis, computation on continuous data types, concurrency, optimisation algorithms, information theory, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, quantum computing, stochastic modelling and computational psychiatry. We apply our research interests to real-life systems via long-term collaborations, e.g. with biomedical, chemical, civil engineers and psychotherapists.
Research groups and centres
Academics
Academics
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Dr Mario Berta
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Research interests
My research area is quantum information theory, with a focus on quantum Shannon theory and quantum cryptography. I am interested in connections to mathematical physics, most importantly through the fields of matrix analysis and (non-commutative) optimization theory.
Location
444A, Huxley Building
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Prof. Abbas Edalat
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Personal details
Prof. Abbas Edalat Professor of Computer Science and MathematicsSend email+44 (0)20 7594 8245
Research interests
Exact Computation in Differential and Integral Calculus, ODE's, Computational Geometry, Computation in Logical Form, Optimisation Theory, Game Theory, Computational Psychiatry, Attachment Based Psychotherapy.
Location
420, Huxley Building
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Prof. Chris Hankin
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Personal details
Prof. Chris Hankin Director, Institute for Security Science & TechnologySend email+44 (0)20 7594 7619
Research interests
Security, Program Analysis and Programming Language Theory.
Location
Sherfield Building
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Prof. Michael Huth
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Personal details
Prof. Michael Huth Professor of Computer Science and Head of DepartmentSend email+44 (0)20 7594 8355
Research interests
Trusted Computing, Access Control, Formal Methods, Insider Threats, Model-Driven Security, Risk Analysis.
Location
364, ACE Extension
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Prof. William Knottenbelt
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Personal details
Prof. William Knottenbelt Professor of Applied Quantitative AnalysisSend email+44 (0)20 7594 8331
Research interests
Application of mathematical modelling techniques to real life systems. modelling and optimisation in parallel queueing systems (especially split-merge and fork-join systems), modelling of storage systems, stochastic modelling of sport, stochastic modelling of healthcare systems, resource allocation and control in cloud-computing environments, numerical solution of (semi-)Markov models and specification techniques for SLA specification, compliance prediction and monitoring.
Location
363, ACE Extension
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Dr Ruth Misener
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Personal details
Dr Ruth Misener Professor in Computational OptimisationSend email+44 (0)20 7594 8315
Research interests
Global Optimization, Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Optimization, Optimization Software, Bioprocess Optimization.
Location
379, Huxley Building
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Dr Panos Parpas
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Research interests
Development and analysis of algorithms for large scale optimisation problems. Exploiting the structure of large scale models arising in applications.
Location
357, Huxley Building
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Dr Iain Phillips
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Research interests
Theory of concurrency, reversible computation.
Location
427, Huxley Building
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Prof. Berc Rustem
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Research interests
Algorithms and applications of linear, nonlinear & integer programming, Algorithms for games & min-max, Optimization of stochastic systems, Decision making & engineering design under uncertainty, Applications to defence, engineering, economics and finance, Multi-objective optimisation, Robust design & risk management, Numerical methods & algorithms for computer aided design
Location
361, Huxley Building
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Prof Iddo Tzameret
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Research interests
Algorithms and Complexity: Limits of efficient algorithms and inference, Lower bounds on concrete computational models, Satisfiability, Proof complexity, Combinatorial, algebraic and logical approaches in complexity, Theory of SAT- and constraint-solving.
Location
Huxley Building
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Dr Steffen van Bakel
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Research interests
Functional Programming:Lambda Calculus, Term Rewriting Systems, Term Graph Rewriting Systems, Mobile Ambients, Systems Biology, Type systems: Sequent Calculus for Classical Logic, Curry Howard Isomorphism,Intersection type assignment, Polymorphic type assignment, Decidable systems, Type theory and theorem provers, Semantics: Filter models, Approximation models, Game theory and Abstract interpretation.
Location
425, Huxley Building
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Dr Herbert Wiklicky
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Research interests
Program Analysis, semantics of programming languages, Probabilistic Models, Program Synthesis, semantics in Computer Security and Quantum Computation.
Location
424, Huxley Building
Affiliated Faculty
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Dr Mahdi Cheraghchi
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Research interests
Communication and computing, randomness and computing, information and coding theory, algorithms and complexity theory, Boolean functional analysis, foundations of cryptography.
Location
353, ACE Extension
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Prof. Ian Hodkinson
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Personal details
Prof. Ian Hodkinson Emeritus Professor of Logic and ComputationSend email+44 (0)20 7594 8219
Research interests
Algebraic Logic and Modal and Temporal Logic.
Location
361, Huxley Building