Optimal transport in networks for design and flux optimization

Hi netFollower! Two weeks ago we had an amazing talk from Alessandro Lonardi (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems) about optimal transport in networks for design and flux optimization, giving examples of energy optimising systems in both natural and human realms.

He explained how statistical physics can be effectively applied to the optimization of traffic overload and infrastructural costs on railway and metro systems, and proposed an algorithmic implementation for the simulation of navigability strategies in transportation.

In the second part of the talk, Alessandro discussed with the audience the impact of research, proposing a reflection on how science affects society and describing his experience with the active understanding process.

The discussion is still open, along with the curiosity about how policies are made in collaboration with scientists. Do you have any projects or experiences with policymakers? What is your position about the importance of the practical impact of research in science?

Here you can download the slides, and the talk is available on our YouTube channel. Join the discussion by leaving a comment on this thread! Blog thread (Twitter)!