A series of case studies is used to illustrate the types of mathematical
problems that have arisen in coming to grips with a variety of complex systems.Examples are drawn from environmental systems (catchment hydrology, drought policy and assessment) and business/government systems (Telstra, ATO).

Challenges and constraints include: sparse data, political pressure, the problem of scaling, secrecy, poorly-posed problems, user-centred design and the education of clients.

About the speaker:

Chris Barnes has a PhD in Applied Mathematics (Colloidal Interactions)
from ANU following an Honours degree in Pure Mathematics. Subsequently he has worked as a mathematical modeller in CSIRO (water and soils), as a consultant (business process improvement;
forestry), and more recently in the Australian Public Service (Bureau of Rural Sciences, Tax).