PhD Research

In our department we are conducting 'end-to-end' computing systems research from networking to human interaction. A characteristic of our research activity is that we attend to fundamental challenges in computer science in the concrete context of practical system developments and real-world applications. As modern computing systems are complex and multi-faceted, this often involves partnership with other research teams internationally and across different disciplines, and with user organisations in many domains from healthcare to emergency services.

The four main research areas in our department are:

• Networked and distributed systems
• Mobile and ubiquitous computing
• Software systems engineering
• Cooperative and interactive systems

Across these areas, we have made many pioneering contributions to the field, for example on IPv6 networking, reflection in middleware, mobile context-aware systems, aspect-oriented requirements engineering, and use of social analysis in system design. Research results published by the department are often among the most widely cited in the respective sub-fields, and we are also recognised for leading-edge demonstration of novel technologies and the contribution of practical platforms, tools and toolkits.

The high profile research of the department is supported by excellent research space and facilities in the Infolab21 building, for experimental research work as well as for knowledge transfer and incubation of start-ups. The foundation of our success in research however are our outstanding teams of research students and research assistants, many of which are recruited through our taught postgraduate programme.

Students from our PhD programme have gone on to great careers in both academia and industry and are currently employed in the UK, Europe, Asia and North America.

Prof Hans Gellersen
Director of Research