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FMnet

Network for Engineering Technologies


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See GC6 Grand Challenge information and VSR-net

A proposal for a EuropeanFramework 6 (FP6) IST (Information Society Technologies) Coordination Action (CA) in the area of the application of formal methods was submitted under the 2nd Call (FP6-2003-IST-2) theme Open development platforms for software and services (IST-2002-2.3.2.3) on 15 October 2003. Specifically we considered formal methods open tools development and interoperability (e.g., using XML and the Semantic Web). Europe leads this area worldwide and the Action could help to maintain and further strengthen this position. Previously, an Expression of Interest was submitted on 7th June 2002, prepared by:

A presentation was given at a meeting in Brussels on 2nd May 2002 by Jonathan Bowen. Slides for the talk are available. See also a summary of the Expression of Interest under Information Society Technologies (IST). Formal methods are a technology for trust and security.

It was planned to cover a range of formal methods, including the B-Method, Z notation (e.g., see the Community Z Tools Initiative — CZT), ASM (Abstract State Machines), RAISE, VDM, etc. It was intended that the Network would coordinate and collaborate with a number of organizations related by to formal methods, including in particular Formal Methods Europe, but also the BCS-FACS Specialist Group on Formal Aspects of Computing Science, the APCB (Association de Pilotage des Conférences B) and the Z User Group, etc. Liaison with national networks, such as the UK EPSRC-funded FORTEST network on formal methods and testing, was also envisaged.

The proposal was supported by the UK EPSRC Research Council and was awarded a travel grant (GR/S22004/01), starting 17 October 2002 for 14 months (extended to 20 months). Discussions on the proposal took place at the FME (Formal Methods Europe) AGM in Pisa on Saturday 19 October 2002. The proposal also had full FME backing, with the offer of financial support if needed. Further discussions were held at the BCS-FACS FASec'02 Conference on Formal Aspects of Security, 18–20 December 2002, and ZB2003 and FM2003 conferences.

An associated mailing list is available. See additional information.

Although the European Coordination Action proposal was ultimately unsuccessful, a future submission is possible. If so, further information will appear here as it becomes available. This resource and the associated JISCmail mailing list will remain for use by the formal methods community. In particular, the Virtual Library formal methods pages are now hosted on this website, hopefully providing a stable web location for the foreseeable future.

This website is accessible as www.FMnet.info.

Statement:

Europe leads the world in the development and use of formal methods for critical computer-based systems. However there has been a lack of EC-funded coordinated effort specifically to promote the use of formal methods, aid researchers in creating links between existing centres of excellence and with industry, to improve the technology transfer process. The Coordination Action will address issues such as tools, standards, web-based technologies (e.g., XML), integration with other approaches, the relationship to testing, refinement to code, etc. Activities will include workshops, support of conferences, technology transfer, transfer of researchers, training, etc. The Coordination Action will help ensure coordination of many activities that are currently underway separately and will also foster new initiatives, especially to encourage the development and interoperability of industrial-strength tools in an appropriate manner. Specific formal methods include ASM, B, CSP, LOTOS, Perfect Developer, RAISE, VDM and Z, although others may be considered as well.

See also:

Other Expressions of Interest (2002):

See also Technologies & Engineering for Software, Systems & Services under Key Action 4 of Information Society Technologies (IST).


Maintained by Prof. Jonathan Bowen, Museophile Limited, UK.
Last updated 9 April 2009.
Further information for possible inclusion is welcome.

See also ProCoS resources.

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