Theoretical Computer Science is mathematical and abstract in spirit, but it derives its motivation from practical and everyday computation. Its aim is to understand the nature of computation and, as a consequence of this understanding, provide more efficient methodologies. All papers introducing or studying mathematical, logic and formal concepts and methods are welcome, provided that their motivation is clearly drawn from the field of computing.

Any queries about submissions and peer review should be addressed to the TCS editorial office: tcs@elsevier.com.

Papers published in Theoretical Computer Science are grouped in three sections according to their nature. The first section `Algorithms, automata, complexity and games' is devoted to the study of algorithms and their complexity using analytical, combinatorial or probabilistic methods. It includes the whole field of abstract complexity (i.e. all the results about the hierarchies that can be defined using Turing machines), the whole field of automata and language theory (including automata on infinite words and infinitary languages), the whole field of geometrical (graphic) applications and the whole field of measurement of system performance using statistical methods.

The second section,`Logic, semantics and theory of programming', is devoted to formal methods to check properties of programs or implement formally described languages; it contains all papers dealing with semantics of sequential and parallel programming languages. All formal methods treating these problems are published in this section, including rewriting techniques, abstract data types, automatic theorem proving, calculi such as SCP or CCS, Petri nets, new logic calculi and developments in categorical methods.

The third section, 'Natural Computing', is devoted to the study of computing occurring in nature and computing inspired by nature. In the rapidly evolving field of computer science, natural computing plays an important role as the catalyst for the synergy of human designed computing with the computing going on in nature. This synergy leads to a deeper and broader understanding of the nature of computation. Although natural computing is concerned also with experiments and applications, this section of Theoretical Computer Science is focused on the theoretical aspects of natural computing with clear relevance to computing. Among others, it will contain papers dealing with the theoretical issues in evolutionary computing, neural networks, molecular computing, and quantum computing.

Special Issue on 17th Annual Conference on Theory and Applications of Models of Computation
Submission Date: 2023-04-15

The special issue contains a selection of papers presented at the 17th Annual Conference on Theory and Applications of Models of Computation (TAMC 2022), held on September 16-18, 2022 in Tianjin, China. TAMC 2022 aims at bringing together a wide range of researchers with interest in computational theory, information theory and applications. The main themes of the conference are computability, complexity, algorithms, information theory and their extensions to machine learning theory, and foundations of artificial intelligence.

Special Issue on Distributed Computing and Intelligent Technology
Submission Date: 2023-04-30

The special issue contains a selection of papers presented in the DC track at the 18th and 19th International Conference on Distributed Computing and Intelligent Technology (ICDCIT 2022 and 2023). ICDCIT 2022 was held on January 19-23, 2022 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India and ICDCIT 2023 will be held on January 18-22, 2023 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. ICDCIT aims at bringing together a wide range of researchers to exchange research results and ideas on the foundations and application of distributed computing and intelligent technology. The main themes of the DC track of the conference are distributed algorithms, concurrent datastructures, emerging technologies such as blockchain, internet of things, edge computing, multi-agent systems, multi-core architectures, cloud computing, and their applications in various distributed environments.

The authors of the selected papers as well as keynote/invited/distinguished speakers of the ICDCIT conference will be the contributors to the SI.

Special Issue on Foundational Methods in Systems Biology
Submission Date: 2023-05-15

This special issue of TCS/C aims to give a snapshot of the current research on foundational approaches to systems biology. We are interested in contributions on the modelling, simulation, analysis, inference, design, and control of biological systems. The articles in this special issue will cover the broad field of computational methods and tools in systems biology and their applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• formalisms for modelling biological processes;
• methods and tools for biological system analysis, modelling and simulation;
• frameworks for model verification, validation, analysis, and simulation of biological systems;
• network modelling, analysis, inference;
• automated parameter and model synthesis;
• multi-scale modelling and analysis methods;
• design, analysis, and verification methods for synthetic biology;
• methods for biomolecular computing and engineered molecular devices;
• data-based approaches for systems biology;
• optimality and control of biological systems.

We welcome new theoretical results with potential applications to systems and synthetic biology, as well as novel applications and case studies of existing methods, tools, or frameworks.