Project description
Testing better decision-procedure algorithms for computer science
Arithmetic theories play a central role in computer science in areas that rely on reasoning about numerical quantities, for instance in artificial intelligence and algorithmic verification. They are often used in the quantitative analysis of systems to infer properties such as timing behaviour or resource consumption. Existing algorithms and tools for reasoning in arithmetic theories do not meet the demands arising from a multitude of applications in program analysis, algorithmic fairness or planning, where, for instance, reasoning beyond existential fragments or volume computations are crucial. The aim of the EU-funded project ARiAT is to bridge this critical gap. Ultimately, the project will lay algorithmic foundations on which next-generation decision procedures and reasoners for arithmetic theories will be built.
Objective
Arithmetic theories are logical theories for reasoning about number
systems, such as the integers and reals. Such theories find a
plethora of applications across computer science, including in
algorithmic verification, artificial intelligence, and compiler
optimisation. The appeal of arithmetic theories is their generality:
once a problem has been formalised in a decidable such theory, a
dedicated solver can in principle be used in a push-button fashion
to obtain a solution. Arithmetic theories are also of great
importance for showing decidability and complexity results in a
variety of domains.
Decision procedures for quantifier-free and linear fragments of
arithmetic theories have been among the most intensively studied and
impactful topics in theoretical computer science. However, emerging
applications require more expressive theories, including support for
quantifiers, counting, and non-linear functions. Unfortunately, the
lack of understanding of the computational properties of such
extensions means that existing decision procedures are not
applicable or do not scale.
The overall goal of this proposal is to advance the state-of-the-art
in decision procedures for expressive arithmetic theories. To this
end, starting with a recent breakthrough made by the PI, we will
develop novel and optimal quantifier-elimination procedures for
linear arithmetic theories, which we plan to eventually integrate
into mainstream SMT solvers. Furthermore, we aim to improve
complexity bounds and push the decidability frontier of extensions
of arithmetic theories with counting and non-linear operations. The
proposed research requires to tackle long-standing open
problems---some of them being decades old. In short, the project
will lay algorithmic foundations on which next-generation decision
procedures and reasoners for arithmetic theories will be built.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.