Workshop: Theory an Applications of Coupled Cell Networks

摘要

Coupled cell systems fitted naturally into the general theme of the Isaac Newton Institute (INI) programme Pattern Formation in Large Domains (PFD) that was held from August December 2005. In addition to the workshop reported on here, the programme contained a training course aimed at research students and recent post-docs and three further workshops, on experimental results in physical systems, theoretical aspects, and patterns in fluid dynamics, broadly interpreted. The programme, and associated workshops had a substantial international profile, indicating the wide-ranging interest in the themes and challenges under discussion. In summary, the main themes of the workshop were: 1) The dynamics of coupled cell networks (synchronisation, pattern formation, clustering, chaotic behaviour, heteroclinic dynamics). 2) The role of network architecture and topology on network dynamics (symmetry groups, groupoids, motifs, layers of different cell types) 3) Application to and inspiration from physics and biology (neural dynamics, neural field theories, continuum vs discrete models, existence and stability of travelling waves.) A brief summary of the timetable for the workshop is given in this report.