Networks, complex

A dynamic and complex network – this is how modern brain research describes the brain. Goods, data, money and viruses too move along networked lines. How similar are these structures? Can the behaviour of different networks be described comparatively or be predicted or even influenced?

The Academy Working Group takes a step back and considers networks in a broad interdisciplinary context. The Working Group sees itself as a communication platform – good networking for more knowledge about networks.

Goals of the Working Group Network Science

  • Interdisciplinary investigation and modelling of networks in different areas of science and application

  • Comparative analysis through the example of neuronal, molecular, genetic, technological, semantic, social and economic networks

  • At the centre of the group’s work is the question of whether the behaviour of networks in these different areas can be described, predicted and influenced in a comparable way.

Project Description

Networks determine daily life at all levels, ranging from molecular and genetic mechanisms to global communication and distribution systems. The topic is of increasing current importance due to the fact that the behaviour of many large networks is today problematic in many spheres. This can be seen for example in the networked character of economic systems, data security in the internet, the changes in interactions through social networks or the transmission of infectious diseases through globalised transport networks. On the other hand, optimising network structures – be it in economics, logistics, healthcare systems or the brain – can be very beneficial.

Prof. Dr. Andreas K. Engel

Working Groups like these leave open what they will achieve. That is what is inspiring. One is speaking for the ideas’ sake.

Review and Perspectives

  • Summer Semester 2019: Academy Lecture Series  "Das intelligenteste Netzwerk der Welt: Unser Gehirn" (“The most intelligent network in the world: our brain”)
  • 24 to 25 April 2018: Interdisciplinary Symposium Images and Networks of the Brain: New Methods and Perspectives in cooperation with the Forschungszentrum Medizintechnik Hamburg (FMTHH)
  • From 26 to 28 June 2016 the International Symposium “Frontiers in Network Science” took place in collaboration with the research group SFB 936 in Hamburg.

Prof. Dr. Tania Lincoln

What is different in the networks of mentally ill brains? What does a disrupted network actually look like? In the brain – I can speak to that. But in energy provision? That’s what I’d like to learn in the Working Group.

Working group members

Position Name Discipline
Prof. Dr. Christian Büchel Systemic Neurology
Spokesperson Prof. Dr. Andreas K. Engel Neurophysiology and Cognitive Neurology
Deputy Spokesperson Prof. Dr. Christian Gerloff Neurology
Prof. Dr. Claus C. Hilgetag Computational Neuroscience
Prof. Dr. Peter König Neurobiopsychology
Prof. Dr. Tania Lincoln Psychology
Prof. Dr. Brigitte Röder Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology
Dr. Bettina Schwab Neurology
Prof. Dennis J. Snower PhD Theoretical Macroeconomics
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Prof. E. h. Kerstin Thurow Automation Technology / Life Science Automation