Could complex systems hold the key to understanding our world? That’s exactly what they explore at University College Dublin’s Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory. It is an interdisciplinary research institute. The University College Dublin, Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory is located in Belfield Business Park. It sits at the northern end of the main UCD campus.
Established in 2006 the University College Dublin, Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory houses research groups. These groups come from a number of Schools within UCD. Computer science is a notable one. Around 30 faculty members and 100 staff work here. The University College Dublin, Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory delves into all aspects of complex systems research. This ranges from atomistic models to societal modeling.
The University College Dublin, Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory is formed around four research clusters. These are Natural Computing and Optimization, Networks and Data Analysis, Security and Trust and Simulation Science and Extreme Events.
Let’s begin with Natural Computing and Optimization. This cluster studies computational systems. The systems are inspired by the natural world. Complex physical, social and biological systems are included. Optimisation and model induction methods are also key. The cluster focuses on nature-inspired problem solving. It also aims to understand natural systems. Exploiting natural processes as computational machines is another goal. Developing the next generation of optimisation and model induction methods is the final aim. Groups in this cluster apply methods to many problem domains. Finance, computer science and design are some examples. Architecture, music and sound synthesis are also included. Bioinformatics, engineering and telecommunications complete the list.
Next we come to Networks and Data Analysis. The Networks and Data Analysis cluster analyzes complex data. This data comes from and about networks. These networks can be social in the broadest sense. Biological networks, sensor networks or communications networks also feature. The defining characteristic here is the significance of the network structure in the data. The research seeks interesting structure in the data. It also seeks to fuse data from different sources.
The Security and Trust cluster combines different disciplines. Fundamental mathematics and computer science are used. Engineering is also used, along with practical software engineering expertise. Knowledge of human behaviour is also important. These are used to study problems in security and trust. Research topics include cryptography and security. Privacy and trust are also investigated. Voting issues, information security and network coding are studied. Network information theory and watermarking are researched too. Steganography, error correction, modulation and signal processing complete the list.
Finally there is Simulation Science and Extreme Events. This cluster links the causes of extreme events. Extreme weather, market crashes and social fads are studied. Global epidemics are also investigated. Simulation science is used as the tool of discovery.
Structured PhD Programmes provide post-graduate education. This is offered throughout the University College Dublin, Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory. The University College Dublin, Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory truly stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary research. It tackles some of the most pressing challenges.