What Does the Future Hold for Theoretical Computer Science?

Prospects for research in theoretical computer science are discussed. The maintenance of a genuine link between theory and practice is seen as key to the future health of both. 1 Introduction Worries about the future of research in theoretical computer science are commonplace nowadays. Funding agencies seem less inclined than hitherto to fund theoretical work; attendance at theoretical conferences is down; jobs for theorists are scarce; and practitioners seem to take little notice of the results of theoretical research. See e.g. [AJK+96] for a US-oriented analysis of the situation. TAPSOFT was founded at or near the height of enthusiasm for formal methods in software development [EM95]. It is now generally accepted that many of the claims made in those days were overly optimistic, although great strides have been made and formal methods work is having a significant and increasing impact on practice. In marked contrast to this air of gloom and doom is the continuing and accelerating bo..

What Does the Future Hold for Theoretical Computer Science?

Prospects for research in theoretical computer science are discussed. The maintenance of a genuine link between theory and practice is seen as key to the future health of both. 1 Introduction Worries about the future of research in theoretical computer science are commonplace nowadays. Funding agencies seem less inclined than hitherto to fund theoretical work; attendance at theoretical conferences is down; jobs for theorists are scarce; and practitioners seem to take little notice of the results of theoretical research. See e.g. [AJK+96] for a US-oriented analysis of the situation. TAPSOFT was founded at or near the height of enthusiasm for formal methods in software development [EM95]. It is now generally accepted that many of the claims made in those days were overly optimistic, although great strides have been made and formal methods work is having a significant and increasing impact on practice. In marked contrast to this air of gloom and doom is the continuing and accelerating bo..