Modelling in computer science

Computationally intensive structural models and their associated implementation techniques are indispensable to the design of complex IT systems during specification, analysis, design and implementation. This research spearhead investigates the models used in computer science and other research fields which use computer-based techniques. It includes, for example, modelling techniques for networks and large-scale distributed systems, and analytical and simulation models for carrying out performance evaluations of these systems.

We also examine database models, the expressive power of database and XML languages, efficient and scalable data mining techniques, web technology and bioinformatics. Other research fields include software evolution models and multi-paradigm models, and their formal construction. In addition, the spearhead also addresses the computational methods and technologies which make it possible to perform calculations using all of the models we investigate.

Funding

A number of EU projects have recently been established by the University of Antwerp in this field, namely COST, FP5, FP6 and FP7, and many FWO and IWT projects and fellowships at the University of Antwerp are also linked to this spearhead. According to the peer review committee report produced during the Computer Science external review, several of the research units involved have helped put the university on the map in this field.

Collaboration

Several other scientific disciplines, including physics and chemistry, also manipulate and calculate mathematical models for complex systems using computer science, and their work ties in with this research spearhead. In this way, models that describe physical-chemical processes or help develop biomolecules, nanosystems and materials are also able to use the methods and techniques being studied.

Collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Economics means that this is an interdepartmental - even inter-faculty - research spearhead and partnerships have also been established with the university colleges that belong to the Antwerp University Association (ICT departments). In Computer Science, there are currently around twelve members of the Tenured Academic Personnel and just as many post-doctoral researchers working in the spearhead.