As the living and artificial systems and networks that govern our lives have become increasingly complex, new challenges arise. Researchers from the Applied Complexity Group, led by Professor Roland Bouffanais, are studying these complex systems, which include social networks, swarm intelligence, urban systems, and human dynamics, to predict how networks respond to unexpected shifts. They hope to identify tangible solutions to the many critical challenges facing humanity.
Understanding complex systems
Complexity science allows us to understand how change occurs in complex, adaptive systems whose components are interconnected. The dependencies and relationships that exist between each component make these systems hard to model. The whole of the system is greater and more complex than each individual component. These complex systems can be seen in nature (ecosystems, ant colonies, neuronal activity in the brain), in social systems (echo chambers on social media), and in technology (networks connecting cybersecurity devices, computers, and machines).
The Applied Complexity Group (ACG) seeks to combine computational and theoretical learning to gain insights into the inner workings of complex systems. "Within the research group, we work to maintain a constructive and open dialogue between science, society, and industry," says Bouffanais. Comprised of researchers from various fields, the ACG bridges the gap between interdisciplinary research and application by studying topics such as network science, control theory, machine learning, and multi-agent systems.
"The goal of our research is to provide insight into systems like social networks, swarm intelligence, complex urban systems, and ultimately, human dynamics," says Bouffanais. At the onset of the COVID-119 pandemic in 2020, Professor Bouffanais' research offered critical and timely insight into behaviour trends and collective decision-making.
"These projects have taught me the critical importance of nurturing an ethical awareness while promoting open dialogue between [various disciplines]," says Bouffanais.
Technology applications
Professor Bouffanais' research on complex systems has found a niche application within cybersecurity.
One of today's challenges is the increased number of hacking attempts in both personal and professional settings. And given the impact of technology on our lives, Professor Bouffanais' multidisciplinary approach becomes even more important.
By using artificial intelligence to automatically detect cyberattacks, Bouffanais hopes to bolster the systems that exist around us. He uses the principles of complex systems to create dynamic, secure control for cyber-physical spaces that are subject to cyberattacks. By understanding how systems react to different stimuli, secure networks can use reactive and anticipatory security algorithms to defeat such attacks.
Essentially, the systems would be able to protect themselves, and in turn, protect us.
About Roland Bouffanais
Professor Roland Bouffanais is a complexity scientist and associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa. Bouffanais has conducted extensive research in Europe, Asia, and North America. Prior to joining the Faculty of Engineering at uOttawa in 2020, Bouffanais worked as a faculty member in Singapore. He has published over 110 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals and conference proceedings.