Description

Networks of Systems and Society

The emergence of large networked systems has brought about new challenges to researchers and practitioners alike. While such systems perform well under normal operations, they can exhibit fragility in response to certain disruptions that may lead to catastrophic cascades of failures. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as systemic risk, emphasizes the role of the system interconnection in causing such, possibly rare, events. The flash crash of 2010, the financial crisis of 2008, the New England power outage of 2003, or simply extensive delays in air travel, are just a few of many examples of fragility and systemic risk present in complex interconnected systems.

What is necessary to prevent systemic risks?

In this keynote lecture, Munther Dahleh, Director at MIT Institute for Data Systems and Society, will discuss this emerging area for critical infrastructures. Such applications involve the interaction between physical systems and social networks. Dr Dahleh will present simplified dynamic models from transportation systems and the power grid that highlight how such interactions impact fragility/resilience.  Throughout the lecture, he will address questions related to information propagation in social networks, herding phenomenon, and the emergence of self-fulfilling crises.

This keynote lecture will be followed by the screening of the movie I. Robot. 

Choral performance before the keynote - powered by The WEP 2018 Festival Chorus

After four courses and rehearsals conducted by guest choral conductor, Dr. John Perkins, the WEP 2018 Festival Chorus will offer a musical performance prior to Munther Dahleh’s keynote lectureNetworks of Systems and Society.

Nanny services are available for children from 3 to 8 years old. Fill up this form to register.  

Experience #WEP2018 Virtually

Tune in every day to the KAUST Official YouTube Channel or Facebook Page to watch livestreams of our keynote lectures and special interviews with the speakers.

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