# Alistair Moffat

> computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q58612394](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58612394)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alistair-moffat-q58612394

## Summary
Alistair Moffat is a male computer scientist and academic who has served as a long-standing staff member at the University of Melbourne, beginning his tenure there in 1986. He is recognized for his contributions to the field of computer science, specifically authoring the doctoral thesis "Fast algorithms for shortest paths." His academic background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Canterbury.

## Biography
*   **Education:** Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Canterbury (1981–1986)
*   **Known for:** Research in computer science, particularly shortest path algorithms
*   **Employer(s):** University of Melbourne (1986–present)
*   **Field(s):** Computer Science
*   **Gender:** Male
*   **Languages:** English (spoken, written, signed)

## Contributions
Alistair Moffat has contributed to the field of computer science primarily through his academic research and long-term affiliation with the University of Melbourne. His most specific cited work in the provided material is his doctoral thesis, titled "Fast algorithms for shortest paths," which he completed in 1985/1986. This work indicates a focus on algorithmic efficiency and graph theory.

He has been associated with the University of Melbourne since 1986, suggesting a sustained career in higher education and research. His professional presence is well-documented across numerous academic platforms, including DBLP, Scopus, the ACM Digital Library, zbMATH, and Google Scholar, confirming his active participation and recognition in the scientific community. Additionally, his inclusion in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID: 292214) highlights his role in the academic lineage of mathematicians and computer scientists.

## FAQs

### Q: Where did Alistair Moffat receive his education?
A: Alistair Moffat received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, completing his studies between 1981 and 1986.

### Q: What is Alistair Moffat's primary area of research?
A: Based on his doctoral thesis title, "Fast algorithms for shortest paths," his primary area of research contribution lies within computer science algorithms.

### Q: Which university employs Alistair Moffat?
A: Alistair Moffat has been employed by the University of Melbourne in Australia, with a recorded start date of 1986.

## Why They Matter
Alistair Moffat matters to the field of computer science as a sustained contributor to academic research and education. His work on "Fast algorithms for shortest paths" addresses a fundamental problem in computer science—optimizing route finding and data traversal—which has applications in networking, transportation, and logistics. His longevity at the University of Melbourne, spanning from the mid-1980s, points to a significant role in mentoring students and advancing the university's computer science programs. The breadth of his cataloging in international libraries and academic databases (such as the Library of Congress, BNF, and WorldCat) underscores his global recognition as a verified authority in his field.

## Notable For
*   **Doctoral Research:** Authored the thesis "Fast algorithms for shortest paths" (1985/1986).
*   **Academic Tenure:** Has served on the staff of the University of Melbourne starting in 1986.
*   **Academic Lineage:** Listed in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID: 292214).
*   **Global Recognition:** Holds authority records in major libraries including the Library of Congress (n93123350) and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

## Body

### Academic Background
Alistair Moffat pursued higher education at the University of Canterbury, a public research university in Christchurch, New Zealand. He commenced his studies on February 1, 1981, and completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) on February 1, 1986. His dissertation was titled "Fast algorithms for shortest paths."

### Professional Career
Moffat is affiliated with the University of Melbourne in Australia. According to academic records, his employment with the university began in 1986, immediately following the completion of his doctoral studies. His career is characterized by this long-term association with the institution.

### Identifiers and Cataloging
Moffat is extensively indexed across global academic and library systems, reflecting his standing in the scientific community. Key identifiers include:
*   **ACM Digital Library:** 81100200925
*   **DBLP:** m/AlistairMoffat
*   **Google Scholar:** r3xSME0AAAAJ
*   **Scopus:** 35586971600
*   **ISNI:** 0000000081789170
*   **VIAF:** 49388506
*   **Library of Congress:** n93123350
*   **ORCID:** 0000-0002-6638-0232 (referenced in employer data)

### Thesis Details
His PhD thesis, classified as a "doctoral thesis," focused on computational efficiency. The work is titled "Fast algorithms for shortest paths" and serves as a key credential in his profile as a computer scientist.

## References

1. Fast algorithms for shortest paths
2. IdRef
3. [Source](http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6638-0232)
4. general catalog of BnF
5. Virtual International Authority File