Most abstract mathematical and theoretical work is sterile because it has no point of contact with real computing.

"Strachey called for an end to the artificial and injurious separation of practical and theoretical work in programming.

Formal Aspects of Computing was founded in 1989 by the BCS in an initiative led by John Cooke, Dan Simpson, and Cliff Jones, all of whom were members of the BCS Formal Aspects of Computing specialist group.

Formal Aspects of Computing publishes contributions at the junction of theory and practice.

In particular, the scope of Formal Aspects of Computing includes, Jim Woodcock is the current editor-in-chief.