Ron Van der Meyden

Professor Ron Van der Meyden is a faculty member at the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. His work focuses on the intersection of logic, security, and distributed systems, with particular expertise in blockchain technology and smart contracts. He leads the UNSW Interest Group in Blockchain, Smart Contracts and Cryptocurrency and organizes related seminar series.

Professor Van der Meyden's research spans formal methods, computer security, and distributed systems. His work on epistemic logic has been influential in understanding knowledge-based systems and security protocols. He has made significant contributions to the formal verification of blockchain protocols and smart contracts, bringing rigorous mathematical approaches to these emerging technologies. His recent work explores the application of knowledge-based reasoning to consensus protocols and intersection management in autonomous systems.

• ACM Distinguished Scientist, 2009

As an advisor, Professor Van der Meyden has mentored numerous PhD and Masters students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research is supported by grants including Australia's Economic Accelerator Grant for developing a commercial version of a software model checker and an AFOSR/DST Australia grant for verification and synthesis of fault-tolerant autonomous systems. He has received multiple ARC Discovery and Linkage grants over the years.

Professor Van der Meyden leads the UNSW Interest Group in Blockchain, Smart Contracts and Cryptocurrency, fostering interdisciplinary research in this area. He has played key roles in major research centers including Smart Internet CRC and National ICT Australia (NICTA), where he established and led the Formal Methods program. His work on the formal verification of the seL4 microkernel and the Goanna static analysis tool has had significant practical impact.