Ana Sokolova: New Impulses for Formal Methods at the University of Salzburg

Ana Sokolova: New Impulses for Formal Methods at the University of Salzburg

On October 1, 2024, Ana Sokolova assumed the professorship for Formal Methods at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Salzburg (PLUS). This appointment underscores the growing importance of this research field for the university and marks a strong commitment to the advancement of formal computer science.

Ana Sokolova was born in 1971 in Skopje, North Macedonia (then Yugoslavia), and graduated in 1989 from the renowned Mathematics and Computer Science High School Rade Jovčevski Korčagin. She completed her computer science degree at the St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje with a diploma in 1994 and expanded her qualifications with a master’s degree in computer science and mathematics in 1999. Her PhD followed in 2005 at the Eindhoven University of Technology, and in 2016, Sokolova completed her habilitation at the University of Salzburg.

Sokolova’s academic journey took her from Skopje to Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and eventually Salzburg. At the University of Salzburg, she began as a postdoctoral researcher before advancing as an Elise Richter project leader, assistant professor, and finally associate professor. With her appointment as a full professor, she achieves another milestone. Ana Sokolova is an expert in the field of Formal Methods, a discipline that uses mathematically precise methods to verify and prove the correctness of software, hardware, and AI systems. A particular focus of her research lies in coalgebra, an abstract method for analyzing dynamic systems and automata. “Although coalgebra is well-established globally, I am the only professor in Austria dedicated to this topic,” she explains, highlighting the uniqueness of her expertise.

In teaching, Sokolova covers a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical computer science topics. Building personal connections with her students is especially important to her: “I enjoy conveying the beauty of computer science and formal thinking, and I love explaining,” she says enthusiastically. She views computer science as a creative and exciting discipline that goes beyond the typical “nerdy” stereotypes.

For Ana Sokolova, Salzburg is not only a professional but also a personal place of great significance. “The first time I came here, I was 19 years old, and I immediately thought: When I grow up, I want to live like this,” she recalls. Her enthusiasm for the city and its surroundings remains strong to this day. In her free time, she is passionate about climbing in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter: “I’m almost addicted to cross-country skiing – that’s another reason why I love Salzburg.” She also values the city and the familiar atmosphere at PLUS for the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ana Sokolova lives in Salzburg with her Austrian husband, with whom she moved to Austria in 2005. With her international network, commitment to research and teaching, and passion for computer science, she promises to provide valuable impulses for the further development of the university and computer science as a whole in Austria.

Photo: © Kay Müller

Contact: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ana Sokolova | University of Salzburg | Department of Computer Science | Tel.: +43 662 8044 6417 | E-Mail: Ana.Sokolova@plus.ac.at

HR Mag. Gabriele Pfeifer

Head of Department | Press

University of Salzburg | Department of Communications and Fundraising

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