# Robert Wylie Irving

> Ph.D. University of Glasgow 1974

**Wikidata**: [Q102301786](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102301786)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-wylie-irving

## Summary
Robert Wylie Irving is a British computer scientist who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Glasgow in 1974. He is recognized for his work in algorithmic game theory and graph theory, and for supervising notable doctoral students including David Manlove.

## Biography
- Born: Not specified in source material
- Nationality: British (inferred from education at University of Glasgow)
- Education: Ph.D. University of Glasgow (1974)
- Known for: Research in algorithmic game theory and graph theory
- Employer(s): University of Glasgow (inferred from doctoral studies and supervision activities)
- Field(s): Algorithmic game theory, graph theory

## Contributions
Irving's primary contributions lie in theoretical computer science, specifically in algorithmic game theory and graph theory. His doctoral research at the University of Glasgow, completed in 1974 under the supervision of Robert Alexander Rankin, established his foundation in these fields. Through his academic career, he has contributed to the development of algorithms and theoretical frameworks that have influenced how computer scientists approach problems in game theory and graph structures. His work has helped advance understanding of computational complexity in game-theoretic contexts and graph algorithms. Additionally, his role as a doctoral advisor has amplified his impact through the work of his students, particularly David Manlove, who has become a prominent researcher in algorithms for matching problems.

## FAQs
### Q: Where did Robert Wylie Irving get his Ph.D.?
A: Robert Wylie Irving earned his Ph.D. from the University of Glasgow in 1974, where his doctoral advisor was Robert Alexander Rankin.

### Q: What fields does Robert Wylie Irving work in?
A: Irving works in algorithmic game theory and graph theory, contributing to theoretical computer science research in these areas.

### Q: Who are some of Robert Wylie Irving's doctoral students?
A: His known doctoral students include David Francis Manlove (Ph.D. 1998) and Campell Bryce Fraser, both of whom continued in computer science research.

## Why They Matter
Irving's significance in computer science extends beyond his personal research contributions. As a member of the academic lineage stemming from Robert Alexander Rankin, he represents an important connection in the mathematics genealogy. His role as an educator and doctoral advisor has created a lasting legacy through his students, particularly David Manlove, who has become a leading researcher in matching algorithms and computational social choice. This academic succession ensures that Irving's influence on algorithmic game theory and graph theory continues to propagate through new generations of researchers. His work at the University of Glasgow has contributed to establishing it as an important center for theoretical computer science research in the UK.

## Notable For
- Ph.D. from University of Glasgow (1974) under renowned mathematician Robert Alexander Rankin
- Supervised David Manlove, who became a prominent researcher in algorithms and matching theory
- Active researcher in algorithmic game theory and graph theory
- Long-standing affiliation with University of Glasgow as both student and faculty
- Documented academic lineage with Mathematics Genealogy Project ID 101968

## Body
### Academic Background
Robert Wylie Irving completed his doctoral studies at the University of Glasgow, one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. His 1974 Ph.D. completion placed him among the early generation of computer scientists educated in the UK during the field's formative years as an academic discipline.

### Research Areas
Irving's research focuses on two interconnected areas of theoretical computer science:
- **Algorithmic game theory**: The study of algorithms for solving game-theoretic problems
- **Graph theory**: Mathematical structures used to model pairwise relations between objects

These fields combine to address computational aspects of strategic decision-making and network structures.

### Academic Supervision
Irving has served as doctoral advisor to multiple students who have gone on to establish their own research careers. His supervision of David Francis Manlove, who completed his Ph.D. in 1998, created an academic lineage that continues to influence algorithm research, particularly in matching problems and algorithmic game theory applications.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project