Phase transitions in stochastic systems. This project aims to understand models of physical and biological phenomena in the presence of uncertainty/randomness. Such models often exhibit phase transitions if a variable defining the model is modified. For example, a population explosion can occur if the average number of offspring per individual is larger than one, while macroscopic defects can occur in a material if the density of microscopic defects is larger than some threshold. This research c ....Phase transitions in stochastic systems. This project aims to understand models of physical and biological phenomena in the presence of uncertainty/randomness. Such models often exhibit phase transitions if a variable defining the model is modified. For example, a population explosion can occur if the average number of offspring per individual is larger than one, while macroscopic defects can occur in a material if the density of microscopic defects is larger than some threshold. This research could lead to strategies for directing physical and biological systems towards preferred states or phases, and better prediction of adverse events such as fracturing of Antarctic sea ice.Read moreRead less
Efficient and fair context-aware resource allocation in networks. This project aims to develop a flexible mathematical framework for internet resource allocation among competing demands by exploiting application context to allocate resources more efficiently. The project will extend an existing framework which allocates resources independently at each time period, by considering benefits over periods of time relevant to users. The expected outcome of this project is a systematic method for desig ....Efficient and fair context-aware resource allocation in networks. This project aims to develop a flexible mathematical framework for internet resource allocation among competing demands by exploiting application context to allocate resources more efficiently. The project will extend an existing framework which allocates resources independently at each time period, by considering benefits over periods of time relevant to users. The expected outcome of this project is a systematic method for designing next-generation congestion-avoidance protocols that anticipate and accommodate different types of demand. This project will provide significant benefits including better provision of internet services and new ways to help combat traffic congestion, bringing benefits to both the environment and society.Read moreRead less