Automatic Verification and Analysis of Complex Systems Since January 2004, the Transregio-SFB AVACS, in collaboration with the University of Freiburg, Saarland University and the Max Planck Institute for Computing Science in Saarbrücken, has been dedicated to basic research in the field of automatic verification. This involves systems that are used in safety-critical areas where they monitor and control physical and technical processes, such as in the transport sector for cars, trains and aeroplanes. A common case study in AVACS is the new European train control system ETCS Level 3, which is characterised by infinite state spaces, time-dependent behaviour, the interaction of continuous and discrete components and a dynamically changing system structure. For such systems, the automatic verification ("at the push of a button") of safety properties is to be achieved through the further development and combination of various basic techniques such as model checking, abstract interpretation and heuristics. On 23 November 2011, the DFG extended the AVACS Collaborative Research Centre for a further
four years. See the press release from the University of
Oldenburg.
Further information on AVACS