# Colin Atkinson

> researcher ORCID ID = 0000-0002-3164-5595

**Wikidata**: [Q40100239](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q40100239)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/colin-atkinson-q40100239

## Summary
Colin Atkinson is a male computer scientist and researcher specializing in software engineering. He has served as a faculty member at the University of Mannheim since 2003 and has previous professional experience at the University of Houston and the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering. His academic work includes a doctorate focused on object-oriented languages for software reuse.

## Biography
*   **Education:**
    *   Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Imperial College London (1990)
    *   Master of Science (M.Sc.), Imperial College London (1985)
    *   Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), University of Nottingham (1983)
*   **Known for:** Research in software engineering and computer science.
*   **Employer(s):**
    *   University of Mannheim (2003–present)
    *   Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering
    *   University of Kaiserslautern
    *   University of Houston (1991–1997)
*   **Field(s):** Software Engineering, Computer Science

## Contributions
Colin Atkinson’s primary academic contribution, as documented by his thesis record, is research into object-oriented languages designed to facilitate software reuse and distribution. He completed his doctoral thesis, titled "An object-oriented language for software reuse and distribution," at Imperial College London in 1990.

Throughout his career, Atkinson has held positions spanning both academia and industrial research. He worked in the United States at the University of Houston between 1991 and 1997. Following this, he was affiliated with the University of Kaiserslautern and the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering in Germany. Since 2003, he has been affiliated with the University of Mannheim. His career trajectory reflects a sustained engagement with software engineering principles across different international research environments.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Colin Atkinson's current academic affiliation?
A: Colin Atkinson has been affiliated with the University of Mannheim starting in 2003, according to his professional biography records.

### Q: What was the subject of Colin Atkinson's doctoral thesis?
A: His 1990 doctoral thesis at Imperial College London was titled "An object-oriented language for software reuse and distribution."

### Q: Where did Colin Atkinson work before joining the University of Mannheim?
A: Prior to 2003, he was employed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering, the University of Kaiserslautern, and the University of Houston.

## Why They Matter
Colin Atkinson represents a distinct bridge between software engineering theory and practice across international borders. His career is marked by a transition from studying fundamental concepts—such as object-oriented programming languages for software reuse at Imperial College London—to applying those concepts within industrial research settings like the Fraunhofer Institute.

His sustained presence in academia, spanning from the early 1990s in the United States to contemporary Germany, highlights a lasting commitment to the systematic development of software. By moving between the University of Houston, Fraunhofer, and the University of Mannheim, he has contributed to the academic discourse on software reuse and distribution, influencing both the educational curriculum and research directions within these institutions. His work addresses the persistent challenge of efficiency in software development through reuse.

## Notable For
*   **Long-standing Academic Tenure:** Serving as a researcher and professor at the University of Mannheim for over two decades (starting in 2003).
*   **Specific Research Focus:** Authoring a doctoral thesis specifically on "An object-oriented language for software reuse and distribution."
*   **International Experience:** Holding significant academic posts in both the United States (University of Houston) and Germany (University of Mannheim, Kaiserslautern).
*   **Dual Sector Engagement:** Possessing experience in both university settings and applied research institutes (Fraunhofer).

## Body
### Academic Background
Colin Atkinson completed his higher education in the United Kingdom. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nottingham in 1983. He subsequently attended Imperial College London, obtaining a Master of Science in 1985 followed by a Doctorate in 1990.

### Professional Career
Atkinson's career includes significant roles in both the US and Germany:
*   **University of Houston:** Served as an employer from 1991 to 1997.
*   **Fraunhofer Institute:** Affiliated with the Institute for Experimental Software Engineering.
*   **University of Kaiserslautern:** Listed as a previous employer.
*   **University of Mannheim:** Became an employer in 2003.

### Research and Identifiers
Atkinson is classified as a computer scientist within the field of software engineering. He holds an ORCID ID of 0000-0002-3164-5595 and a Scopus Author ID of 7201406379. His academic profile is further documented via DBLP (a/ColinAtkinson) and Google Scholar.

## References

1. [Source](http://swt.informatik.uni-mannheim.de/en/team/current-members/colin-atkinson/)
2. CiNii Research
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [E-Theses Online Service](http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.718116)
5. [SciGraph](https://scigraph.springernature.com/person.012126335163.45)
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File