Evolutionary dynamics: Time scales for evolution of finite populations on hypercubes and games of reputation on dynamical networks

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Arne Traulsen
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2007 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 48288144

This project will deal with the development of mathematical models inspired by the physics of complex systems and their application to biology and other fields, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity. In the first part, evolutionary games on dynamical networks are analyzed. In particular, reputation mechanisms that can lead to the evolution of cooperation are considered. The project aims to improve our understanding of such reputation mechanisms in which cooperative acts towards others are based on their previous actions. Reputation based cooperation is found in biological and social systems. For example, recent experiments have shown that cooperation problems such as the preservation of global climate can be addressed by these mechanisms. In the second part of the project the evolutionary dynamics of finite populations on high dimensional discrete fitness spaces will be tackled, where many different evolutionary paths connect two given states. This model system is not only of general interest in biology, but can be valuable to understand timescales of the evolution of cancer or other diseases which require the accumulation of several mutations.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups