Dana S. Nau
Dana S. Nau develops methods for AI planning and action, with shared systems and textbooks that connect a chosen plan with its execution. Nau developed a game-playing algorithm used by the program that won the 1997 world computer-bridge championship. His research also examined game trees where searching farther ahead can produce worse decisions. His 2025 textbook is Acting, Planning, and Learning. As of September 2026, Nau is emeritus at Maryland and continues research on planning, action and factors that affect human behavioral norms.
- Now at
- University of Maryland
- Works
- 418
- Citations
- 15,515
- h-index
- 51
Publication numbers from OpenAlex, as of 14 October 2026.
Timeline
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1997
Decision-making in computer bridge
Nau developed a game-playing algorithm used by the program that won the 1997 world computer-bridge championship. His research also examined game trees where searching farther ahead can produce worse decisions.
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Research career
Planning and acting systems
He helped develop the planning systems SHOP and SHOP2, Pyhop and GTPyhop, and Rae and UPOM. His work spans heuristic search, manufacturing planning and game theory.
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2004–2016
Books on planning and acting
Nau coauthored textbooks listed as Automated Planning: Theory and Practice in 2004 and Automated Planning and Acting in 2016. The books connect planning methods with the problems of selecting and carrying out actions.
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2025–2026
Connecting action with learning
His 2025 textbook is Acting, Planning, and Learning. As of September 2026, Nau is emeritus at Maryland and continues research on planning, action and factors that affect human behavioral norms.
Sources and credits
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