Inaugural Lecture: Prof. Perdita Stevens

Title: What has mathematics to do with software engineering?

Abstract: When I first entered software engineering from mathematics, there was a lot of talk about "the software crisis". That today's students typically don't recognise the phrase is testament to the progress that has been made in software engineering since then. Nevertheless, I'll argue that software engineering has a worse problem today than it did then. At first sight, the relation between software engineering and mathematics is part of the problem; I will explain why it's actually part of the solution. I'll present a vision of what the engineering of software might look like by the time today's undergraduates retire, and I'll discuss some of the research challenges that need to be met to make that happen. I'll touch on model-driven development, agile methodologies, bidirectional transformations, and the Principle of Least Surprise.

The talk will be aimed at a general audience, and students are especially welcome.

Following the lecture at George Square Lecture Theatre, attendees are cordially invited to a drinks reception at the Playfair Library, Old College.