Networks - the art form of being well connected

A new research project will start in April 2007: „Impact of motif content on dynamic function of complex networks“. The Volkswagen-Stiftung will finance the new research project with 606.000 euros over the next three years. The project will be coordinated by Jacobs University professor Dr. Marc-Thorsten Hütt.

[ Apr 19, 2007]  Together with Prof. Dr. Karsten Weihe and Priv.-Doz. Dr. Matthias Müller-Hannemann from the department of computer science at Darmstadt University of Technology, Marc-Thorsten Hütt, Professor of Computational Systems Biology, will explore real networks: the long-distance train connections of Deutsche Bahn, the human metabolism and a network of scientific cooperations. The scientists aim at understanding patterns in these networks and their effect on the net's function.

Each network consists of nodes that appear in typical groups. These “motifs” are the core of the analysis. The researchers want to understand the link between motif composition of a network and its dynamic performance. Where do perturbations appear? Which motifs are particularly sensitive to disturbances?

The motifs bridge the gap between theory and practice. Optimized train schedules and a better understanding of biological systems and of the hidden rules in the scientific community are possible outcomes of the research project.

The researchers' expertise from different disciplines enables the exploration of these diverse networks. Marc-Thorsten Hütt says: "It is fascinating to study at the same time biological and technical networks. Our hypothesis is that in a variety of cases the composition of motifs determines, how well a system performs dynamically.”