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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PhD Project Template
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Use one form per project
Please complete & submit to international@nuigalway.ie as soon as possible, and by 27/11/2012
In your email, begin the subject line with [SWB] (be sure to use square brackets) to ensure that
your email is filed correctly. Emails will be automatically filed
PI name & contact details:
School:
Dr. Jim Duggan
Email: jim.duggan@nuigalway.ie
Phone: +353 91 493336
School of Engineering and Informatics
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
Yes
Research Centre / group affiliation:
CORE - Complex Systems Research Centre
Research group / centre website:
http://nuigalway.ie/core/
PI website / link to CV:
http://corrib.it.nuigalway.ie/
http://www.maths.nuigalway.ie/~piiroinen/
http://www.nuigalway.ie/business-public-policylaw/cairnes/subjectareas/economics/people/sraghav/
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
Dr. Jim Duggan (PI) researches in the area of complex systems modelling, and using computational
methods to support policy design. Application areas include software process management, epidemiology,
infectious disease modelling, and health systems design.
Dr. Piiroinen (co-PI) is an applied mathematician who specialises in the analysis of nonlinear
dynamics and the development of mathematical models of dynamical systems.
Dr. Srinivas Raghavendra (co-PI) is an economist that researches in macroeconomic theory,
Computable Economics, Complex Systems and Computational Finance.
CORE is a multi-disciplinary centre that employs the latest mathematical tools to explore intricate
and challenging societal problems.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Title: Spatial Economic Development: An Agent-Based Simulation Approach
Research Problem: In the modern era of Globalization, spatial agglomeration of economic activities
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
and unequal growth of urban centres have been well researched in the literature on economic
growth and development. In the context of these spatial agglomeration models, and in other
international trade models, the use of agent-based simulation has emerged as a viable method for
the analysis of uneven spatial economic dynamics. A key challenge of these models is to intertwine
available economic data with behavioural components in order to generate realistic dynamic
behaviour. A benefit of the agent-based approach is that it can be calibrated through historical data,
and a wide range of policy options can then be simulations, thereby providing greater insight into
future economic behaviour trajectories. The study would be of direct relevance to many economic
and social policies that are grappling with the consequences of the ongoing crisis and look for
alternative frameworks for a sustainable economic development in the medium and long term.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
This research project, though based on an economic problem, is multidisciplinary by construction.
Since the research will be supervised by a team of Economist, Applied Mathematician and
Information Technology scientist, the student would get in-depth training in computation,
economics, and mathematical modelling. It is quite unique to get in-depth training in these diverse
fields and have such a wide, yet complementary, skill set in a PhD project.
The development of novel mathematical approaches to model human and social behaviours is made
possible at NUI Galway by the interaction of scientists from a range of backgrounds at the Complex
Systems Research Centre. It provides a stimulating and engaging environment in which to address
important issues for society today.
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Computer Science
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
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Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)/Physical Sciences (Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geosciences)
Health and Biomedical Sciences / Clinical, Pré-clinical and Health Sciences
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Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Computing
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Sustainable Agricultural Production
Oil, Gas and Coal
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Renewable Energy
Minerals, Minerals Technology
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technologies for Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Disasters
Bioprospecting and Biodiversity
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering
Please indicate which of the following applies to this project (referring to Science Without Borders
arrangements):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): _ ____
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N): _____
Suitable for either/Don’t know: _____