CySec gets one more ERC grant
Prof. Laura Kovacs has been awarded a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for the development of LEARN — an interface designed to streamline the use and application of existing logic tools within the software industry. These tools go beyond mathematical assertions to include comprehensive software analysis, ensuring error-free operation and consistent delivery of correct outcomes under all logical conditions.
ERC grants are among the most prestigious in the European research landscape, and receiving one is a significant honor that recognizes exceptional scientific achievements. Laura Kovacs exemplifies this with her receipt of four ERC grants: an ERC Starting Grant in 2014, her first Proof of Concept Grant, an ERC Consolidator Grant in 2020, and now, another Proof of Concept Grant. These grants are specifically aimed at translating the scientific results of successfully completed ERC projects into practical applications, such as developing commercially viable products.
LEARN is designed to significantly reduce costs associated with rectifying software update errors. It enables software developers to master logical modeling through an intuitive, interactive interface while also generating autonomous proof strategies that ensure system security. Laura Kovacs’ team, which has previously developed software tools for these purposes, is now ready to move to the next phase of the project: crafting LEARN. This interface will facilitate easy access to sophisticated methods, making them straightforward to learn and implement.
The grant provides €150,000 over 1.5 years and positions LEARN for industrial use. Major companies like Amazon, Certora, and Microsoft are lined up as early adopters. Additionally, the tool will enhance academic learning, allowing hundreds of students at TU Wien to improve their skills in logic and software analysis.