Research lines

The CCOMP Graduate Program currently holds 4 main research lines:

L1. Methodologies and Techniques for Software Development (detailed description and research projects in Portuguese)

This line of research aims the elaboration and application of new technologies, paradigms, methods, models and techniques in the development, evaluation, understanding and management of software systems and devices integrated by software, massively used in Computational Sciences. Systems of greater structural and computational complexity are emphasized, including (but not limited to):

  • methodologies aimed at the development of multi-agent and knowledge-based Complex Systems in different contexts; 
  • mobile and context-aware systems, based on middleware and integrated in the scope of internet of things (IoT) in distributed scenarios;
  • systems supported by virtual, augmented and mixed reality, as well as virtual and immersive environments to support the simulation of diverse realities and phenomena; and 
  • systems for analyzing and visualizing data on a small and large scale (big data) for interactive complex systems in various domains.

L2. Modelling and Simulation of Natural and Artificial Systems (detailed description and research projects in Portuguese)

This line of research is dedicated to the mathematical and computational modeling of mechanisms underlying complex systems and processes occurring at different scales and originally studied in the most diverse areas of science and engineering. The investigated systems and processes can be both natural and artificial, while the approaches employed involve quantitative, statistical, analytical, stochastic, simulation and computational processing methods. The research developed allows the creation of models that support new theories regarding natural processes and systems, allowing, also, their reproduction and replication. In addition, such initiatives investigate and design artificial models capable of producing innovative computational solutions for complex practical problems, without inspirations and parallels in natural systems.

L3. Theory and Computational Methods (detailed description and research projects in Portuguese)

This line is characterized by the study of computing architectures and algorithms in its fundamental (theory) and applied aspects, aiming at the use of computational methods and techniques in solving technical and scientific problems. The line includes the following major themes: Correction and Formal Properties of Algorithms; Theory of graphs; Algorithm Complexity; Parallel, Distributed and High-Performance Computing; Algorithms for Large Volumes of Data; Heuristics and Meta-Heuristics; Combinatorial Optimization and Operational Research; Logic; Computational Intelligence; Computer Systems; Computer Theory; Computer Mathematics; Computer Architectures and Systems.

L4. Theory and Methods for Physics and Mathematics (detailed description and research projects in Portuguese)

This line of research focuses on the study and development of numerical and analytical methodologies that can be used for modeling in computer science. It emphasizes theories and methods of Physics and Mathematics for the description, understanding and analysis of complex systems, with applications in several areas of knowledge.  Developed projects in this line encompass aspects of discrete and continuous mathematical modeling, involving calculation methods and variational analysis, numerical analysis, computational linear algebra, statistical mechanics, probability theory and control theory.