To find out how science is continually refining and expanding our knowledge of the universe and how it leads to new questions for future investigations is one of the reasons the Institute of Systems Science, under the helm of Professor Kevin Duffy, held its first 2015 seminar series onNatural and human resource dynamics at the Steve Biko Boardroom yesterday (10 June 2015).
The 2015 seminar series will introduce some of Prof Duffy’s students’ work on resource dynamics aimed at questions in the natural and human environments.
Prof Duffy uses dynamic models to understand system processes in various fields of research. Examples include questions from ecology, agriculture, biophysics, engineering, musical rhythm and literature. “Most real world questions important to human existence are complex with connections that usually include nonlinear elements. The effects of these connections can be difficult to predict and hence, sophisticated theories and technologies are necessary to understand them. Modern studies using simulation and mathematical modelling are bringing new energy to many areas of science, engineering and commerce where older methods of reduction have not worked. The Institute of Systems Science, through its research members, has developed models for understanding a variety of complex questions important in South Africa,” said Prof Duffy, the Director of the Institute.
Over the last 10 years, Prof Duffy has acquired and managed over R20 million for large research projects such as the development of specialised mathematical and computer simulation models for energy efficiency in mining operations as well as developing decision support simulation tools for increasing agricultural production and food security in Africa, to name but a few.
The first seminar talk around the study of sustainable dynamics and the various players in this dynamics such as the mopane worm (a source of protein food) and the elephant in Southern Africa, also looking at the schematic study of how elephants and mopane worms eat, grow and reproduce by the use of differential equation models and the effects on the density of the renewal rate.
One of the attendees of the event, Dr Richard Morris from DUT, found the first seminar very interesting, saying it was important to host such seminars to bring people together and share ideas on various research topics.
“I’m hosting such seminars to get different people, such as scientists and academics, to listen to various ideas, broaden their scope of thought and want to make the institution (DUT) more knowledgeable about what we are working on,” added Prof Duffy.
The seminars will be held monthly on the second Wednesday of each month.
– Waheeda Peters
Pictured: DUT’s Prof Kevin Duffy explains his research about Natural and human resource dynamics at his first science seminar.
