I have research interests in logic, particularly non-classical logics (intuitionistic, modal and substructural logics). A closely related area is the semantics of computation, and I have interests in type theory, concurrency theory, logics for reasoning about computations, and aspects of verification.

I also work on aspects of information security. I am particularly interested in reasoning about security properties of systems. Sometimes this is best done using the methods of logic and computation. For some problems, for example examining the consequences of high-level security policies, economic modelling is appropriate, and I have some expertise in this area. Recently completed funded security projects include Trust Domains (RCUK) and Seconomics (EU FP7).

I am currently an investigator on the ALPUIS (Algebra and Logic for Policy and Utility in Information Security) project, as one of the UK EPSRC Consortia for Exploratory Research in Security. Project partners are UCL, Bath, HP Labs, National Grid. The project features aspects of logical reasoning about systems security, and economic modelling of security policy.

The project SSPEDI (Supporting Security Policy with Effective Digital Information>) runs from March 2017 until 2020. It is funded under the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council call for projects on Human Dimensions of Cyber Security. For further information on the award see the GTR and GOW. The project includes my colleagues Dr Chenghua Lin, Prof. Judith Masthoff, Dr Nir Oren and Prof. Wamberto Vasconcelos and myself as principal investigator, and is in collaboration with National Grid PLC, Aberdeen City Council and University of Aberdeen IT Services. The project further involves academic consultant collaborators: Dr Jaap Ham (TU Eindhoven, Netherlands), Prof. F. Massacci (Univ. Trento, Italy), Prof. H. Mishra (Univ. Utah, USA).

Recent PhD theses of my students include Modelling Multi-layered Network and Security Architectures using Mathematical Logic (Kevin McDonald, 2014), Identifying Vulnerabilities and Controls in Complex Composite Security Architectures (Barry Taylor, 2015), and Accounting for Stewardship in the Cloud (Bob Duncan, thesis successfully defended 2016).

More information about past research is contained on my biography page. A list of papers, books, notes, etc. appears on my publications page.