Abstract:
Networks are the backbone and the arteries of our modern society. They provide the interconnectedness that controls the structure and the functionality of global human interaction and exchange. In this lecture, I highlight the central role of networks, explain why they are important, describe their key properties, and list the challenges they represent for the future. Through multiple concrete examples, I indicate what are frontline issues and unexpected surprises that networks offer today.
The lecture is aimed at a broad audience, and is accessible to everyone interested in science in general.
About the Speaker:
Frank den Hollander received his PhD at the University of Leiden in 1985, under the supervision of Piet Kasteleyn. After that he worked at the universities of Delft, Utrecht, Nijmegen and Eindhoven. After that he worked at the universities of Delft, Utrecht, Nijmegen, Eindhoven and Leiden. He retired in 2024, and became emeritus professor at Leiden University. Frank works in probability theory, statistical physics, ergodic theory, population genetics and complex networks.
Frank was elected to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences in 2005. In 2016 he became Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion. In 2018 he received a Humboldt Research Award. For 10 years he was chair of the Advisory Council for the Natural and Technical Sciences of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences.
Supported by Arista Networks India Pvt. Ltd