Agent and Multi-Agent Software Engineering: Modelling, Programming, and Verification

Abstract

In this extended abstract, I shall briefly describe the course I gave at the DALT International Spring School that took place at the University Residential Centre in Bertinoro, Italy, in April 2011. Before I do so, I feel compelled to say, although this was supposed to be a technical paper, that participating in that School was the most fabulous experience of my academic career. I attended many conferences and summer schools over the last decade, and in particular all the summer schools were incredible experiences, but none matched that of the DALT School in Bertinoro. The University Centre is located in an astounding medieval castle, where even Dante stayed for some time. The castle is at the top of a hill and the views from the castle where we were also accommodated are just breathtaking. The food was excellent and the people involved at all levels incredibly friendly; the organisation was impeccable. Of course just atmosphere does not make an academic event that memorable. Perhaps because this was the most specific summer school I ever attend in regards to the topics covered, which allowed the courses to go into much more depth than usual, but certainly not only because of that but also other factors such as the particular combination of people in that School, that was definitely the most technically productive school I ever attended. All the attendants cannot possibly thank enough the organisers for the amazing experience they created for us. Unfortunately, nothing is perfect. As memorable as the school was, I will never be able to forget the suffering it was to walk up those extremely steep hills either.