Fourth International Conference on Integrated Formal Methods
4-7 April 2004 in Canterbury, Kent, England
Introduction
Applying formal methods may involve the modelling of different aspects of a system that are expressed through different paradigms. This motivates us to research the combination of different viewpoints upon a system, either by the creation of hybrid notations, by extending existing notations, by translating between notations, or by incorporating a wider perspective by innovative use of an existing notation.
The integration of formal methods promises great benefits for systems modelling and software development. Whichever approach is taken, significant issues can arise in areas such as semantic integration, the tractability of notations, the integration of tool support, the integration of proof systems, consistency and completeness. Issues arise equally in our modelling of systems at different levels of abstraction and the development of these models through the process of refinement.
The scope of IFM2004 includes all aspects of integration of different notations, paradigms, and tools, including integration of state-based and behavioural formalisms, and the formal strengthening of informal notations (e.g., UML). Special sessions are planned on the themes of Unifying Theories of Programming as well as Testing, and submissions for these are welcomed.
The necessity of tool support for formal methods is widely accepted. However, much existing tool support fails to exploit the advantages that formality brings. This year's IFM is therefore particularly interested in how integrating formal methods can facilitate tool support for the development process, either by integrating tools or exploiting the particular languages combined.
The conference also seeks and welcomes contributions in related areas such as: hybrid systems, the embedding of one formalism within another, and the integration of formal methods with informal or semi-formal diagrammatic notations and structuring techniques.
Important Dates
Early Registration Deadline: 29 February 2004
Conference: 4-7 April 2004
One registration fee gives access to all the following sessions:
Invited Speakers:
Ursula Martin - Queen Mary University of London, UK
Tom Melham - University of Oxford, UK
Tom Ball - Microsoft Research, US
Invited Tutorial:
A Tutorial Introduction to Designs in Unifying Theories of Programming. Jim Woodcock and Ana Cavalcanti.
Technical Programme:
From Monday 5 April until Wednesday 7 April lunchtime, two and a half days of technical program with papers covering themes of: Automating program analysis; Object orientation and UML; Testing; Verification; Hybrid and timed systems; Integration frameworks; Refinement; Graphical notations and State/event-based verification.
FME Meeting:
A meeting of FME will take place on Sunday 4th and is open to all FME members.
FORTEST meeting:
A meeting of the EPSRC FORTEST network (Formal methods and Testing) is being held on Wednesday afternoon. Please email John Derrick if you would like to attend.
Conference banquet:
The conference dinner will be held in Leeds Castle, called 'The most beautiful castle in the world'.
Scholarships and Doctoral Symposium:
We have scholarships available for PhD students (covering registration and accommodation, all EU students expected to be eligible): application form. All other PhD students also welcome to attend the Doctoral Symposium. Scholarship applications and abstract submissions for the Doctoral Symposium due by 29 February, notification 5 March.
