|
The ACCS's core research program is concerned with distributed control in
network-based systems - in these 'complex' systems, their components
essentially act autonomously, yet somehow achieve coordinated effects. We're
working with biologists to try to understand how markets function (or in
some cases, don't function), to efficiently distribute products and
services. We're working with human factors experts to understand and predict
the implications of proposed changes to air traffic control, giving airlines
more say in the decisions that are made. We're also undertaking fundamental
research in dependability of computer-based systems and in methods and tools
for the analysis of complex systems.
|
| |
|
To provide focus to our research program, the Centre has three core
application areas - genetic regulatory networks, free-flight air traffic
control, and evolutionary economic systems. These are supported and
complemented by an infrastructure stream of research.
|
| |
|
GRN - Genetic Regulatory Networks
|
| Program Leader |
Janet Wiles |
| Research Description |
Research in the Geneic Regulatory Networks (GRN) program tackles fundamental questions about growth and
form in cellular biology. In this program, computational modelling is used
to study how the control of development results from an interaction between each cell's genetic regulatory network and its inputs from neighbouring cells and its environment, and how the process proceeds reliably, while coping with unreliable components, perturbation, injury, and changing environments. |
| |
[More Details]
|
|
ATC - Air Traffic Control
|
| Program Leader |
Peter Lindsay |
| Research Description |
As more vehicles take to the air, air traffic control will be a constraining
factor on the number of aircraft that can be accommodated, and on the paths
that they fly. Europe, the USA and Australia are all considering
fundamentally new ways of managing air traffic with a view to improving
efficiency without compromising safety. We are applying complex systems
science to the problem by modelling airspace as networks of aircraft, and
developing new approaches to assurance of system-level properties including
safety and efficiency. This work builds on the group's existing work in
human factors and human-computer interaction in air-traffic control. |
| |
[More Details]
|
|
EES - Evolutionary Economics Systems
|
| Program Leader |
John Foster |
| Research Description |
We are applying complex systems and network theory in economics and business to understand how evolutionary change occurs. There are strong connections with earlier approaches taken in evolutionary economics and in dealing with the economics of innovation. Consistent with other programs in the Centre, multi-agent modelling and associated simulation and calibration techniques are core components of the methodology that we are using. With regard to the economic statistics available to us, we are developing new ways of testing for complex patterns in high frequency data. For example, we have been studying trade-by trade data in stock markets and in electricity markets and
seeking 'pattern matches' in artificially generated agent based modelling data. We are also developing new ways of dealing with spatial complexity in several contexts. Also visualisation techniques, rarely used in economics, are being applied in a range of data-rich contexts to better understand the architecture and complex dynamics of systems. Although a key goal in this program is to make fundamental theoretical and empirical advances, care has been taken to work within several applied areas: induction is viewed as very important in the
development of new theories, particularly in emergent research fields. In this regard, we feel that it is essential that theories are 'historically friendly' in complex adaptive system settings. This has necessitated the development of new methodological perspectives not previously used in economic research. |
| |
[More Details]
|
|
DCS - Dependable Computer-based Systems
|
| Program Leader |
Geoff Dromey |
| Research Description |
The rapid pace of advances in Information and Communications Technology
(ICT) has led to technological systems of ever increasing complexity and
sophistication. Many of these systems - in areas such as transport, health
and finance - need to be safe, reliable and generally dependable. There is a
constant need for new methods and tools to enable engineers to ensure that
such systems meet society's demands for dependability. This program is
concerned with the development of modelling and analysis tools to ensure that dependability is designed into complex computer-based systems. |
| |
[More Details]
|
|
OTR - Complex Systems Theory and Applications
|
| Program Leader |
|
| Research Description |
In addition to the research programs described above, the ACCS includes a
number of projects addressing key problems for complex systems. The projects are concerned with the application of theory to solve issues in the design and operation of complex socio-technological systems, and with the development of new analysis techniques for complex systems. |
| |
[More Details]
|
|
NEM - Electricity Networks and Energy Markets
|
| Program Leader |
John Foster |
| Research Description |
With the introduction of deregulation, the national electricity network has emerged as an excellent example of a complex system in need of an inter-disciplinary approach to modelling and design. This program investigates how to integrate technical and market aspects of power system and price dynamics to provide key insights into planning expansion of the power transmission network. It also aims to apply modern computational modelling techniques to the interface between the physical properties of the electricity system and its economic considerations. A particular focus is placed on the impacts of the transmission network and power station operation on electricity price behaviour and its influence on infrastructure investment decisions. It also looks into the importance of customer-load impact on system and market operations. |
| |
[More Details]
|
