Jane Hillston

Jane Hillston is the Head of the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh since 2018. She has held multiple leadership roles, including Deputy Head of School, Director of Research, and Director of the Laboratory for Foundations of Computer Science (2011–2014). Her academic journey began at the University of York and Lehigh University, leading to a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Edinburgh.

• Education: BA in Mathematics (University of York, 1985), MS in Mathematics (Lehigh University, 1987), PhD in Computer Science (University of Edinburgh, 1994).

Hillston’s research focuses on formal approaches to modeling dynamic systems, particularly stochastic process algebras applied to performance modeling and verification. Her work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in systems biology and adaptive behaviors.

She has received prestigious awards such as the BCS/CPHC Distinguished Dissertation Award (1995), the inaugural Roger Needham Award (2005), and fellowships from the Royal Society of Edinburgh and British Computer Society. Notably, she spearheaded the Athena SWAN Silver Award for the School of Informatics in 2013, promoting gender equality in STEM.

• Leadership: Head of School (2018–present), Director of Research (2016–2018), Director of Laboratory for Foundations of Computer Science (2011–2014).