My main research interests are in Software and Systems engineering, and particuarly Requirements engineering. In recent years I have developed an interest in Digital Health, particularly applied to Brain health and how diagnostic software for neurodegenerative diseases. I also have a long-standing interest in text mining, with applcations to software engineering.

I have over 140 peer-reviewed publications.

Google Scholar tells me I have an h-index of 39

PhD Computer Science (Lancaster) 1986-1990

BSc Computer Science 1st class honours (Lancaster) 1982-1985

Professor and Head of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Aston University (from May 2017)

Professor of Software Systems Engineering, School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University (Jan 2011-April 2017)

Visiting Professor, Arles Group, Inria Rocquencourt, France (Jan 2012 – May 2012, Jan 2013 – Apr 2013)

Reader in Software Systems Engineering, Computing Department, Lancaster University (Aug 2008 – Dec 2010).

Associate Dean for Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Science and Technology, Lancaster University (Aug 2005 – Dec 2009).

Head, Computing Department, Lancaster University (Aug 2000 – July 2003).

Visiting Scientist, Dependable Software Applications group, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy (Apr 1999 - Sept 1999).

Senior Lecturer, Computing Department, Lancaster University (Aug 1998 – July 2008).

Lecturer, Computing Department, Lancaster University (Aug 1990 - July 1998).

Research Associate, Computing Department, Lancaster University (Oct 1986 - July 1990).

Scientific Officer, Royal Signals and Radar Establishment (Sept 1985 - Sept 1986).  

Funded research

I am a member of the IEEE Computer Society

I have successfully graduated 11 PhD students and I currently supervise Jomar Alcantara and Huma Samin.

I am a member of the editorial board of the Requirements Engineering Journal (Springer)

Phone number: 0121 204 3058
Email: p.sawyer@aston.ac.uk