Introduction to CASRG

For the past two decades the University of Newcastle has hosted the Complex Adaptive Systems Research Group (CASRG), led by (Emeritus) Professor Cliff Hooker. CASRG has been concerned with examining the fundamental ways in which new approaches to understanding complex adaptive systems are transforming our understanding of the natural and social world.

Research Topics and Publications

A diverse range of topics are being investigated, including:

• developing fundamental concepts for characterising complex adaptive systems,
• exploring issues in understanding adaptive biological and social systems, including the biological roots of cognition,
• understanding the impact of complex adaptive systems dynamic modelling on the content and methods of science,  
• characterising science itself using complex dynamical, ecological, economic and situated cognition models,
• characterising  rationality more generally in dynamical process terms applicable to science and ethics,
• using complex dynamical systems concepts to interpret Traditional Chinese Medicine in western scientific terms,
• examining the implications for public policy of the forgoing scientific developments especially sustainability and energy under the current project 'Assessing sustainability dimensions and impacts' with The Cooperative Research Centre for Coal in Sustainable Development (CRCCSD)

Research Orientation

• What are Complex Adaptive Systems?
• The significance of Complex Adaptive Systems Research

Members