Research

Researchers with the Chair in Complexity Science work on theories and methods to understand fundamental and applied questions in complexity science.

What are complex systems?

The challenge in answering the question 'what are complex systems?' feeds back into broader conversations around what defines the field of complexity science. This is a brief explanation of how we approach the concepts and discipline in our work.

Complex systems are ensembles of components that interact with each other and form dependencies and relationships. A system is 'complex' (not just complicated) when:

• the system is made up of simple components relative to the whole system
• there is no central control
• interactions among components show non-linear behaviour—that is, behaviours whose outcomes cannot be predicted through straightforward calculation
• it exhibits emergent behaviours—that is, behaviours that emerge through interactions within the system. These emergent behaviours can include hierarchical organisation, information processing, and dynamics (how the system's structure and behaviour changes continuously), as well as evolution and learning.

Complexity science, then, is the study of how complex systems behave and how we can develop tools and methods to better understand, predict, and influence those behaviours.

We study the origin and outcomes of these behaviours by looking at how the unique interactions within a complex system produce results 'greater' than, or at least different from, the sum of their components.

You can learn more about  complexity and real-life examples at Te Pūnaha Matatini, Aotearoa's Centre of Research Excellence in complex systems, where Professor Luczak-Roesch is a co-director.

Everything is information

Given that complexity science can apply to so much across the human experience, our research is applicable to diverse fields across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. It means we are very much open to collaboration.

Everything in our environment and lived experience can be represented as information, which we can then use to discover emergent phenomena. Learn more about our research themes and current projects below.

Research themes