Theory and Algorithms

Computer science is both an engineering science and a basic science. Thanks to this dual nature, it covers a variety of fundamental concepts including processes, computation, information and communication. Computer science theory is concerned with understanding, defining and analysing these concepts using formally proven guarantees. Theoretical insights are often highly relevant in practice (for instance, from algorithm theory) or even intrinsically necessary – from cryptography, for instance. Focal areas of theory research at the department include cryptography and algorithms and complexity, as well as discrete mathematics, estimation and optimisation. Some of this is conducted jointly with the Department of Mathematics.