Amir Kafshdar Goharshady

Amir Kafshdar Goharshady is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at St Catherine's College. His research focuses on theoretical computer science, including formal program verification, parametrised algorithms, compiler optimisation, and blockchain technology. He leads the ALPACAS research group, which explores algorithms, logic, program analysis, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts.

Education: PhD in Theoretical Computer Science from IST Austria (supervised by Prof. Krishnendu Chatterjee), MSc in Computer Science (Systems) from Georgia Tech, and undergraduate studies in Maths and Computing at the Universities of London and Yazd. Prior to Oxford, he was an Assistant Professor at HKUST and maintains a visiting role at IIT Bombay.

Research Interests:

• Formal methods for program verification
• Algorithmic efficiency in compiler optimisation
• Decentralized systems and blockchain applications
• Game-theoretic approaches to secure protocols

Advising and Grants: Supervises over 20 PhD and Master’s students, with a rigorous selection process emphasizing problem-solving skills. Leads an international research group with multiple grants and collaborations. Former roles include organizing high school Olympiads and founding the Sundar STEM School in Pakistan.

Labs/Teams: ALPACAS group, known for its work on smart contract optimization, blockchain security, and parametrised algorithm design. Regularly hosts visiting researchers such as Petr Novotný and Thomas Henzinger.