Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/D051916/1
Title:	Dynamical Properties of Networks with Random Interactions, with Applications to Neuroscience
Principal Investigator:	Feng, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Computer Science
Organisation:	University of Warwick
Scheme:	Discipline Hopping Pre-FEC
Starts:	01 November 2005	Ends:	31 March 2008	Value (£):	84,439
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Fundamentals of Computing Non-linear Systems Mathematics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Investigating activities of networks with interactions is an active area, describing such complex networks as the Internet, metabolic pathways, gene networks, networks of power stations, scientific collaborations, and neuronal networks etc. In our proposal, we will primary look at properties of a network with random interactions. Accumulating evidences in the literature indicate that such a modelling approach is of paramount importance. For a complex system such as the cortex of our brain, we have difficulties to assess the actual connections between neurons, based upon current technologies (or is it necessary?). Hence, at least as a first approximation, we can treat such a network as one with random connections. In fact, the approach has been widely adopted in the literature. In experiments, Prof. A. Shultz and her group have spent many years to investigate the connections between neurons. In applications, Prof. W. Maass and his group have invented a machine, called liquid state machine (microcolumns in the brain) and found many interesting properties (reviewed in a recent article in Nature). In modelling, Prof. N. Dale (Warwick, Biology Dept) has investigated the properties of a network with random interactions, to mimic the activity of a central pattern generator. In theory, R. May has addressed the issue early in 1972 in Nature. His results are then modified by Newman [10]. Recently, we have started looking the issue from a more general and biologically realistic way.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk Summary Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.warwick.ac.uk