DFG-RSF: Complex dynamical networks: effects of heterogeneity, adaptivity, and topology

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Eckehard Schöll; Privatdozent Dr. Serhiy Yanchuk
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 440145547

The project is directed towards studying theoretically and numerically the dynamics of complex adaptive networks. In our focus is the interplay of adaptivity of the links, heterogeneity, and the topology of the network. The applications include but are not limited to neural and neuromorphic networks. In the framework of the continuation of the project, we will study the dynamics of networks of different types of smoothly or pulse-coupled oscillators with the additional feature of plasticity of connections in a general context. In particular, in this project we would like to understand how plasticity affects the (cluster-)synchronizability in networks of different complexity: complex network structures, heterogeneous dynamical nodes, non-smooth interactions. This might eventually also shed light on the role of plasticity for the temporal coding of information by neuronal spikes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants