Patrick Cousot

Patrick Cousot is the Julius Silver, Roslyn S. Silver, and Enid Silver Winslow Professor of Computer Science at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. He co-invented abstract interpretation, a foundational theory for program analysis and verification.

Research develops formal methods for program verification, static analysis, and semantics using mathematical frameworks. Abstract interpretation provides theoretical foundations for sound approximation of program behaviors, enabling automated verification of critical systems. Applications include the Astrée static analyzer for proving absence of runtime errors in aerospace software.

Honors include:

• IEEE John Von Neumann Medal (2018)
• ACM SIGPLAN Programming Languages Achievement Award (2013)
• IEEE Harlan D. Mills Award (2014)
• EATCS Distinguished Achievements Award (2022)
• Silver Medal of CNRS (1999)

Teaching includes courses on programming languages and abstract interpretation. Authored the comprehensive textbook 'Principles of Abstract Interpretation' synthesizing decades of research. Current work develops calculational methods for program logics and hyperlogics.