Research Units

The Algebraic Combinatorics and Fundamental Physics Unit investigates new algebro-combinatorial and geometric structures underlying quantum field theory, focusing on scattering amplitudes, total positivity, amplituhedra, and cluster algebras.

The mission of the Analysis and PDE unit is to reveal and analyze the mathematical principles reflecting natural phenomena expressed by partial differential equations and advance the boundar...

The Applied Cryptography Unit investigates the design and analysis of modern cryptographic primitives and schemes used to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data – at rest, being communicated or computed upon – both in the classical and the quantum settings. Particular areas of interest include the design and analysis of quantum / post-quantum cryptography schemes, the algebraic cryptanalysis of symmetric and asymmetric key algorithms, as well as the design and analysis of primitives for privacy-preserving cryptographic mechanisms.

Our group focuses on unveiling lots of mysteries surrounding astrophysical explosive phenomena such as supernovae (SNe) and gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). SNe and GRBs are the most powerful explosions in the universe, yet very little is known about their explosion mechanisms. These astrophysical big bangs fascinate us with their unknown physics and puzzling astronomical phenomena such as gravitational waves, neutrinos, nucleosynthesis, non-equilibrium ionization, ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. Through our theoretical and computational approaches, we strive to reveal the complete pictures of these explosions and provide the-state-of-the-art physical interpretations for current, cutting-edge observations and useful predictions for future observations by next-generation astronomical observatories.

The Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit explores how ecological and evolutionary processes generate and sustain biodiversity, and how those processes are being altered by human activities.

The Biological Complexity Unit studies how biophysical systems, ranging from subcellular circuits to cellular populations, can function despite being subject to random fluctuations.

The Biological Design Unit investigates what determines biological forms by untangling the evolution of structural functions and organismal development in the changing climate.

The biological nonlinear dynamics data science unit investigates complex systems explicitly taking into account the role of time. We do this by instead of averaging occurrences using their statistics, we treat observations as frames of a movie and if patterns reoccur then we can use their behaviors in the past to predict their future. In most cases the systems that we study are part of complex networks of interactions and cover multiple scales. These include but are not limited to systems neuroscience, gene expression, posttranscriptional regulatory processes, to ecology, but also include societal and economic systems that have complex interdependencies. The processes that we are most interested in are those where the data has a particular geometry known as low dimensional manifolds. These are geometrical objects generated from embeddings of data that allows us to predict their future behaviors, investigate causal relationships, find if a system is becoming unstable, find early warning signs of critical transitions or catastrophes and more. Our computational approaches are based on tools that have their origin in the generalized Takens theorem, and are collectively known as empirical dynamic modeling (EDM). As a lab we are both a wet and dry lab where we design wet lab experiments that maximize the capabilities of our mathematical methods. The results from this data driven science approach then allows us to generate mechanistic hypotheses that can be again tested experimentally for empirical confirmation. This approach merges traditional hypothesis driven science and the more modern Data driven science approaches into a single virtuous cycle of discovery.

We seek the principles governing the behavior of whole organisms, integrating physics, biology and computational approaches to understand life's most complex and fascinating phenomena.

Chiral representation theory unit investigates the symmetries arising in quantum field theories. More specifically, it focuses on the representation theory of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras such as Kac–Moody algebras, and more generally, on vertex algebras.

The Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit is dedicated to investigating the principles of embodied cognition by conducting experimental studies in synthetic neurorobotics. The primary goals of our research are to understand:on how innate structures can be leveraged to develop cognitive constructs through iterative but limited behavioral experiences; how primary intersubjectivity in social cognition can be formed through enactive and contextual interactions with others; and how subjective experiences such as consciousness and free will can be scientifically and phenomenologically explained. In addition, our developmental neurorobotics approach is intended to uncover the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. Through these researches, we can expect to deepen our ontological understanding of human beings, rather than simply creating another smart machine-learning robot.

Collective Dynamics and Quantum Transport Unit explores dynamical and transport phenomena in various quantum matters and their spintronic, electronic, and quantum-information applications.

We study multiscale and multiphysics problems related to fluid dynamics by numerical simulations. Our research is focused on turbulence, non-Newtonian fluids and multiphase flows.

The CSE Unit analyzes the dynamics of complex adaptive systems, focusing on behavioral dynamics shaping social systems, eco-evolutionary dynamics shaping ecosystems, and their interactions.

Continuum Physics Unit members carry out theoretical and experimental research in the mechanics of continuous media, including cellular materials, granular materials, and complex fluids with...

The Droplet and Soft Matter Unit explores soft matter, droplet, and interfacial physics to do fundamental science that is both beautiful and useful, especially in water-health-energy nexus.

We study topics of electron correlation in physics and materials science, such as emergent phenomena at quantum phase transitions, spin frustration and excitation, and Fermi surface evolution.

We are developing theoretical and experimental projects in cognitive science, guided by the hypothesis that agent-environment interaction is an essential part of mental activity.