Communication and Structure
in Complex Networks



Professor Kim Sneppen, Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen University

Friday, January 13th 2006, 13.30

Lecture room F, Theoretical Physics, Sölvegatan 14A

Abstract:
Networks open for ways to describe and model new classes of
complex systems. I will discuss examples of networks from social, computer
and genetic regulatory systems. Emphasis will be put on network design
features and their ability to facilitate communication across the system
they form the backbone of. The talk is divided into two parts, one deals
with communication modelled in a social game, and one part deals
signalling as seen inside the dominant life form on Earth, the bacterial
viruses. The model of communication networks illustrate how local
optimization easily lead to networks with observed topological features,
including a broad degree distribution. By comparing regulatory networks of
non-related bacterial viruses we learn about signaling logic and
convergent evolution in gene regulation.