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Microsoft Research advances the state of the art in many computer science
disciplines. We've categorized our work into ten broad areas. Several of our
projects cover multiple disciplines and may be found in more than one category.
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Algorithms and
Theory |
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We are working in several emerging fields within theoretical computer science. One is game theory and economics, which includes pricing algorithms and market equilibria. A second is privacy in statistical databases and a third is quantum computing. |
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Hardware
Development |
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Our research focuses on developing devices that will connect users more intimately, naturally, and efficiently with their computing environment. The devices range from large displays to wearable devices to micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). We collaborate with other groups to build the hardware that will support the next-generation of software. We’ve developed ideas for new types of microphones, unique data input devices, and we’re researching reconfigurable computing hardware.
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Human-Computer
Interaction |
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Research on human-computer interaction (HCI) plays a central role across multiple teams at Microsoft Research. Our work is focused on advancing the way users interact with computing devices. This includes search, access, and information management, the display of complex data and information, user modeling and activity recognition, efficient input and interaction, the role of automation and the coupling of intelligent systems with direct manipulation. |
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Machine
Learning, Adaptation, and Intelligence |
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We pursue research on automated reasoning, adaptation, and the theories and applications of decision making and learning. Our research goals include learning from data and data mining. By building software that automatically learns from data, we design applications that have new functions and flexibility. Our research focuses on using statistical methods for the development of more advanced and intelligent computer systems. |
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Multimedia and
Graphics |
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We focus on new multimedia and graphic experiences that are made possible with the growth in computing power and storage. Our research focus spans the linear and interactive media spectrum across television, broadband, and gaming. We seek to address the challenges involved in the high-computational cost of producing, transmitting, and displaying complex models by researching geometric compression and multiresolution representations.
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Search,
Retrieval, and Knowledge Management
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Knowledge workers need software that is easy to use and intuitive. They need to find their information long after they’ve forgotten where they put their documents and what they named their files. Information retrieval and search are a big part of making this happen. We are pursuing research in information retrieval, filtering, and management. Other work has explored the use of classification technologies and the development of systems that will enrich the user experience. |
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Security and
Cryptography |
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We study various aspects of security related to computer systems. This includes the design of secure systems, the usability, evaluation and certification of security products, the robustness of digital watermarking algorithms, threat analysis for open networks, and database privacy. In addition, we’re concerned about security for mobile devices. |
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Social Computing |
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We research and develop software that contributes to compelling and effective social interactions, with a focus on user-centered design processes and rapid prototyping. Our projects range from topics in online sharing and mobile applications to trust, reputation, and story telling. We’re interested in how people use computers to enhance their everyday experiences. We are designing interfaces and experiences to make human-to-human communication seamless and exciting. |
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Software
Development
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Our research in software development spans all aspects of making developers more productive and software more trustworthy. It includes programming language design, compilers, software specification and verification, development environments and tools, runtime environments, formal models of software systems, software performance monitoring and optimization, and software quality improvement. |
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Systems,
Architectures, Mobility, and Networking |
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Computers now operate in a connected and often mobile world. Our research into operating systems, networks and distributed computing is focused on developing technologies that enable computers to operate more effectively in a networked environment, and that provide the infrastructure required to enable the deployment, operation, management and security of distributed applications. |
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All Research |
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