This award will support collaborative research between Philip Mulry, Colgate University and Gordon Plotkin, University of Edinburgh. Utilizing certain algebraic tools, specifically monads, algebras and categories, the investigators propose to develop a systematic and conceptual approach to the interpretation and solution of questions in computation theory and programming language semantics. Dr. Plotkin's group is especially strong in the areas of Dr. Mulry's research. They have identified three research topics of complementary interest and expertise: (1) partial data types; (2) categorical fixed semantics; and (3) special models of computation involving strong closure and properties, and intrinsic internal structure. The U.S. investigator will benefit particularly from Dr. Plotkin's diverse approaches to these problems and his pioneering research on denotational and algebraic semantics of programs. The results of this collaboration are expected to advance understanding of the fundamental structures of computer science and its theoretical foundation.
