Mathematics of Complexity

The focus of this theme is the fundamental role of maths in science and society. It is a cornerstone of the methods used to understand and model multiscale complex systems in physical, biological and social sciences.

The aim is to form new connections between researchers in College to disseminate mathematical and computational developments across varied disciplines including high performance computing, physics and chemistry, neuroscience, engineering and many others.

By consolidating the importance of fundamental mathematical research and highlighting how it connects to biosciences, neuroscience, physical sciences and elsewhere through numerical simulation it is hoped that new synergies in research and teaching may emerge.

Benefits to Society

Mathematics is the language of science through which we can understand nature at a fundamental level. Its application beyond the STEM subjects in biological, medical, economics and social contexts is also having a deep impact on the development of society and our daily lives.

A knowledge economy requires a workforce comfortable with the idea and applications of mathematics. It also requires Irish researchers engaged at the highest international standard.

Mathematics in its own right is fascinating, challenging and satisfying. The exploration of patterns and symmetries, the satisfaction of solving problems, the appreciation of designs and shapes and recognising Ireland's role in shaping modern mathematics can all contribute our enthusiasm for the subject.

Research at Trinity

The School of Mathematics at Trinity has a long history of excellence, stretching back to William Rowan Hamilton, Ireland's most famous mathematician. The School is ranked in the top 100 in the world with one of the highest citation records of any mathematics department worldwide.

Complex systems arise in many fields of science and engineering and are characterised by detailed macroscopic phenomena that arise from simple microscopic rules. Two common themes emerge: big data - mining the huge datasets available to extract meaningful information and numerical simulation of these complex systems. Mathematics underpins these areas and this theme aims to bring together researchers at TCD facing similar challenges to disseminate new ideas across disciplines.

Research Champion

The research champion for this theme is Professor Sinead Ryan.