Hypergraph models for complex discrete systems. This project aims to better understand the structure and properties of very large hypergraphs of various kinds. Hypergraphs are very general mathematical objects which can be used to model complex discrete systems. They arise naturally in many areas such as ecology, chemistry and computer science. Despite this, our theoretical understanding of very large, or random, hypergraphs lags far behind the intensely-studied special case of graphs. This proj ....Hypergraph models for complex discrete systems. This project aims to better understand the structure and properties of very large hypergraphs of various kinds. Hypergraphs are very general mathematical objects which can be used to model complex discrete systems. They arise naturally in many areas such as ecology, chemistry and computer science. Despite this, our theoretical understanding of very large, or random, hypergraphs lags far behind the intensely-studied special case of graphs. This project will answer many fundamental questions about large, random hypergraphs. The expected outcomes of the project also include new tools for working with hypergraphs, such as efficient algorithms for sampling hypergraphs. These outcomes will benefit researchers who use hypergraphs in their work and will enhance Australia's reputation for research in this area.Read moreRead less
A new model for random discrete structures: distributions, counting and sampling. Random discrete structures are used in countless applications across science for modelling complex systems. This project will study a new, very general model of random discrete structures which encapsulates both random networks and random matrices. This project will develop general tools for working with this model, thereby unlocking the model for use by practitioners in areas such as physics, biology, statistics a ....A new model for random discrete structures: distributions, counting and sampling. Random discrete structures are used in countless applications across science for modelling complex systems. This project will study a new, very general model of random discrete structures which encapsulates both random networks and random matrices. This project will develop general tools for working with this model, thereby unlocking the model for use by practitioners in areas such as physics, biology, statistics and cryptography. The questions that will be tackled are fundamental problems in probability, and include as special cases the analysis of subgraph distribution in models of random networks, and the joint distribution of entries of contingency tables, which are important in statistics.Read moreRead less
Analysis of the structure of latin squares. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. Discrete mathematics and combinatorics are boom disciplines of the computer age and this project seeks new knowledge concerning basic building blocks of combinatorial mathematics. The outcomes will be of interest to theoretical discrete mathematicians around the world, enhancing Australia's already high research profile in this important area ....Analysis of the structure of latin squares. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. Discrete mathematics and combinatorics are boom disciplines of the computer age and this project seeks new knowledge concerning basic building blocks of combinatorial mathematics. The outcomes will be of interest to theoretical discrete mathematicians around the world, enhancing Australia's already high research profile in this important area of pure mathematical research. Importantly, the problems under investigation offer substantial opportunity for excellent postgraduate training, critical for the future of Australian research. Read moreRead less
Cycle decompositions of graphs. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. This project aims to solve long-standing and significant open problems in the field of mathematics known as graph theory. Solving such problems will undoubtedly bring Australian research in this field to the fore, and help to enhance Australia's international research profile generally. The project offers substantial postgraduate training in the form of t ....Cycle decompositions of graphs. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. This project aims to solve long-standing and significant open problems in the field of mathematics known as graph theory. Solving such problems will undoubtedly bring Australian research in this field to the fore, and help to enhance Australia's international research profile generally. The project offers substantial postgraduate training in the form of three excellent PhD projects in discrete mathematics. The computer age has ensured that this is a booming discipline and an increasing component of undergraduate syllabi around the world. It is thus a crucial area in which to be providing quality research training.Read moreRead less
A new approach to compressed sensing. Compressed sensing is an exciting new paradigm promising vastly improved signal sampling and reconstruction in a wide variety of applications including digital cameras, mobile phones and MRI machines. This project will explore a newly discovered approach to compressed sensing which uses mathematical arrays known as hash families.
Symmetrical graphs, generalized polygons and expanders. This project proposes to study a class of highly symmetrical graphs -- locally s-arc-transitive graphs. Studying the class of graphs has been one of the central topics in algebraic graph theory for over 50 years. This class of graphs has been effectively used in computer science, communication network, group theory, geometry, and other areas. This project will develop new methods to solve several fundamental problems regarding locally s-arc ....Symmetrical graphs, generalized polygons and expanders. This project proposes to study a class of highly symmetrical graphs -- locally s-arc-transitive graphs. Studying the class of graphs has been one of the central topics in algebraic graph theory for over 50 years. This class of graphs has been effectively used in computer science, communication network, group theory, geometry, and other areas. This project will develop new methods to solve several fundamental problems regarding locally s-arc-transitive graphs, and apply the outcomes to solve important problems in communication networks, graph theory, group theory, and geometry.Read moreRead less
Matchings in Combinatorial Structures. The theory of matching in graphs concerns the problem of pairing up objects, subject to constraints on which objects may be paired. It is a well-developed theory that is not only of tremendous mathematical importance, but is also widely applied to efficiently deal with allocation and scheduling problems. Much less is known, however, about the equally important but harder problem of dividing objects into collections of three or more. This project aims to add ....Matchings in Combinatorial Structures. The theory of matching in graphs concerns the problem of pairing up objects, subject to constraints on which objects may be paired. It is a well-developed theory that is not only of tremendous mathematical importance, but is also widely applied to efficiently deal with allocation and scheduling problems. Much less is known, however, about the equally important but harder problem of dividing objects into collections of three or more. This project aims to address this deficiency by developing the theory of matching in important combinatorial objects. The problems it expects to solve are of great significance in their own right, and when considered together may help to lay a foundation for a more general theory of matching.Read moreRead less
Decompositions of graphs into cycles: Alspach's Conjecture and the Oberwolfach problem. Graph theory is used extensively to model and solve practical problems in physical, biological and social systems. By answering two long-standing and fundamental questions, the project will extend a long tradition of Australian research excellence in the field, and provide substantial high-quality postgraduate training in line with national needs.
The Zarankiewicz problem through linear hypergraphs and designs. The Zarankiewicz problem is a famous open problem with deep connections to many different areas of mathematics. Despite continued attention from some of the world's most celebrated mathematicians, it has remained unsolved for over 70 years. This project aims to make major progress on the Zarankiewicz problem by utilising a novel approach based in the field of combinatorial design theory. This approach will leverage recent major bre ....The Zarankiewicz problem through linear hypergraphs and designs. The Zarankiewicz problem is a famous open problem with deep connections to many different areas of mathematics. Despite continued attention from some of the world's most celebrated mathematicians, it has remained unsolved for over 70 years. This project aims to make major progress on the Zarankiewicz problem by utilising a novel approach based in the field of combinatorial design theory. This approach will leverage recent major breakthroughs in design theory concerning edge decompositions of dense hypergraphs.Read moreRead less
Fractional decomposition of graphs and the Nash-Williams conjecture. Nash-Williams' conjecture is a famous unsolved problem about decomposing graphs (abstract networks). Breakthrough results achieved in recent years have shown that the conjecture, along with other major graph decomposition problems, could be solved if only more were known about fractional decomposition. This project aims to clear this bottleneck to progress by dramatically expanding the state of knowledge on fractional decomposi ....Fractional decomposition of graphs and the Nash-Williams conjecture. Nash-Williams' conjecture is a famous unsolved problem about decomposing graphs (abstract networks). Breakthrough results achieved in recent years have shown that the conjecture, along with other major graph decomposition problems, could be solved if only more were known about fractional decomposition. This project aims to clear this bottleneck to progress by dramatically expanding the state of knowledge on fractional decomposition. Expected outcomes include major progress on Nash-Williams' conjecture and related graph decomposition problems. This should enhance Australia's research reputation in pure mathematics and provide benefits in downstream applications areas including statistics, data transmission, and fibre-optic networks.Read moreRead less