Summer school: Formal methods for Information Security
- 18-20 June, 2025
- Tarragona (Spain)
Forge Connections, Secure the Future – All in Tarragona, Spain 2025
Join us for an engaging and educational experience at the Summer School on Formal Methods for Information Security. This event will offer participants insights into the latest advancements in Formal Methods and their application to secure systems. Designed for Ph.D. students, graduate students, and researchers in computer security, the program offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts while fostering discussions and collaborations in an informal setting.
The Summer School will take place at the Seminari in Tarragona’s historic center, the event provides an excellent opportunity to explore UNESCO World Heritage Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. During the Summer School, you’ll not only dive into cutting-edge research but also enjoy social activities, local food, and the charm of this beautiful city. Tarragona provides the perfect backdrop for learning, networking, and unwinding.
Confirmed speakers
- Prof. Ioana Boureanu, University of Surrey
- Prof. Achum D. Brucker, University of Exeter
- Dr. Ross Horne, University of Strathclyde
- Prof. Sjouke Mauw, University of Luxembourg
- Prof. Sasa Radamirovic, Heriot-Watt University
- Dr. Felix Stutz, University of Luxemburg
- Prof. Tim Willemse, Eindhoven University of Technology
Tentative program
The three-day program is taught in English and consists of keynotes and tutorials.
|
Day 1 (Wednesday) |
Day 2 (Thursday) |
Day 3 (Friday) |
| 08:00 – 09:00 |
Registration |
|
|
| 09:00 - 10:30 |
Keynote by Prof. Achim D. Brucker.
“Formal Verification and AI Safety” |
Keynote by Dr.Ross Horne .
“How can we avoid conflicts of interest?” |
Keynote by Prof. Sjouke Mauw .
“Distance-bounding protocols: a gentle Introduction” |
| 10:30 - 11:00 |
Coffee Break |
| 11:00 - 13:00 |
Keynote by Prof. Sasa Radomirovic.
“Modelling with Account Access Graphs” |
Keynote by Prof. Ioana Boureanu.
“Formal Verification of Privacy Properties in Tamarin, ProVerif and Phoebe” |
TBD |
| 13:00 - 14:30 |
Lunch Break |
| 14:30 - 16:00 |
Tutorial by Dr. Felix Stutz on
“Formal Verification of Security Protocols using ProVerif” (Part 1) |
Tutorial by Prof. Tim Willemse on
“Formal Verification of Systems using mCRL2” (Part 1) |
Social Activity |
| 16:00 - 16:30 |
Coffee Break |
| 16:30 - 18:00 |
Tutorial by Dr. Felix Stutz on
“Formal Verification of Security Protocols using ProVerif” (Part 2) |
Tutorial by Prof. Tim Willemse on
“Formal Verification of Systems using mCRL2” (Part 2) |
Social Activity |
| 20:00 - 22:00 |
TBD |
Banquet at a traditional Catalan restaurant |
|
Registration
Tuition fee
- 100 EUR for early registrations (before May 20, 2025). This is the deadline for registering on the system, so make sure to send your application via email in time for it to be accepted
- 200 EUR for late registrations (after May 20, 2025)
The fee includes all sessions, lunches, coffee breaks, social events, and a gala dinner. Neither accommodation nor travel costs are included.
To apply, send your CV and a cover letter to
depeng.chen@fundacio.urv.cat. Accepted applicants will receive registration and payment instructions within two weeks.
Venue
The workshop will be held at the “Centre Tarraconense El Seminari”, located in the old town of Tarragona, close to the Cathedral.
Address: C/ Sant Pau 4 — 43003 — Tarragona.
Tarragona is a beautiful city on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, full of history and amazing places to visit. Located in the south of Catalonia, its Roman ruins, like the amphitheatre right by the sea, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see. The city also has fantastic beaches, a lovely old town with narrow streets and cozy squares, and delicious food, especially fresh seafood and local wines.
How to arrive
The closest big airport is Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), located just 85 kilometres away. The bus is the most convenient way to get from the Airport to Tarragona. The current timetable offers a direct bus from Barcelona airport to Tarragona almost every hour. Tickets cost €15.95 one way. The company operating this bus line is
Bus Plana. Taxis are always available just outside the arrival area of the airport. The current price is around 130 Euros. Please, confirm this price with the taxi driver before starting your trip.
If you’re already in Barcelona, regional trains from Sants station get you to Tarragona centre in one hour. However, due to scheduled work on the railways, this service may experience significant disruptions. For this reason, we recommend taking a high-speed train although they don't stop in the city centre but at the Camp de Tarragona station. From there you can take a taxi to Tarragona (20 minutes and 30 euros approx.) or the bus transfer.
Contact Us
For more information, please email
depeng.chen@fundacio.urv.cat.
FAQ
-
- What criteria are used to select participants? Participants are selected based on their background and academic level. Preference is
given to those who are studying or have experience in the topic of the Summer School.
A basic understanding of the field is required, and early-stage Bachelor’s students may
not be eligible. This ensures active participation in the interactive sessions.
- What if I have dietary restrictions? Please include any dietary needs in your application. We will do our best to accommodate
them, and a vegetarian option will always be available.
- What should I bring? Bring your own laptop. Course materials and meals are provided as part of the fee. You
will also receive presentations and handouts from speakers after the event.
- Will I receive a certificate of participation? Yes, a certificate will be issued to participants who attend all days of the Summer School.
- What if I need to cancel my participation? Refunds are not available if you cancel after confirming and paying. However, you can
nominate a substitute with similar qualifications. Refunds may be possible if there’s
enough time to adjust event plans (e.g., transport and catering).
We look forward to welcoming you to an enriching and inspiring Summer School experience in 2025!
