Dr. George Candea

Professor

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Biography

George Candea heads the Dependable Systems Lab at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, where he conducts research into principles and practices that achieve predictable performance and energy efficiency in computer systems. His main focus is on real-world systems—both large and small-scale—that face fundamental challenges beyond the reach of classical techniques. In recent years, George has served as CEO and Chief Scientist at Cyberhaven, a cybersecurity company he co-founded in 2016 with four PhD students. He was previously the CTO and Chief Scientist of Aster Data Systems (now Teradata Vantage), a big-data company he co-founded in 2005 with colleagues from Stanford. He has held positions at Oracle, Microsoft Research, and IBM Research. He is a recipient of several awards, including the Mark Weiser Award in 2024 and the inaugural Eurosys Jochen Liedtke Young Researcher Award in 2014. He was also recognized as a MIT TR35 Young Innovator in 2005 and has received multiple paper awards. George obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University in 2005 and holds both a B.S. and M.Eng. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. He teaches advanced graduate courses on the principles underlying successful computer communication systems and software engineering.

Research Interests

Experience

CEO and Chief Scientist

2016-01-01 — Present

Cyberhaven • Lausanne

Co-founded a cybersecurity company focused on innovative solutions.

CTO and Chief Scientist

2005-01-01 — Present

Aster Data Systems (now Teradata Vantage) • Stanford

Co-founded a big-data company with a focus on data management.

Researcher

— Present

Oracle • Silicon Valley

Engaged in research and development.

Researcher

— Present

Microsoft Research • Silicon Valley

Conducted leading-edge research in computer science.

Researcher

— Present

IBM Research • Silicon Valley

Worked on advanced technology research.

Awards

#

Mark Weiser Award

#

Eurosys Jochen Liedtke Young Researcher Award

#

MIT TR35 Young Innovators Award

Courses

Principles of Computer Systems (CS-522) Software Enterprise (CS-311)

Requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field Strong foundation in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability Proficiency in programming (Python, Java, or C++)
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of University Degree(s)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Copy of Passport or Identity Card
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Standard requirements for Engineering and Basic Science Master's programs. Architecture requires an additional portfolio.