Happenings in Cork

I have just returned from a site visit to the Cork Constraint Computation Centre (4C: it's a pun, don't you know) in Cork Ireland, where I am on the advisory board. Ireland is a country that seems to have its government investments set up well. A few years ago, they a identified Gene Freuder as someone they would like to attract and made him a very nice offer. Gene is one of the (or perhaps the main) founders in the area of constraint programming, and he has put together an extremely impressive lab. Lots of activity, both in fundamental research and in industrial outreach. The lab isn't perfect (more OR!), but it is very, very good. If you are learning more about constraint programming, this lab's site is a good place to start.