Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DOCC (Dynamics of Complex Continua)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-06-01 bis 2024-05-31
DOCC has been an interdisciplinary MSCA doctoral programme at the University of Innsbruck (Austria) that was training 15 research fellows for 3 years on modelling and simulation of complex dynamical continuum systems in research fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, atmospheric sciences, material and engineering sciences, and computer science.
DOCC provided structured training in both research-relevant and professional skills by building expertise in the intersectorally seminal fields of computational material, fluid and gas dynamics, which procures multiple topical technological, societal and medical applications relevant to climate, energy, safety, or nano and life sciences. In our research focus on "Dynamics Of Complex Continua" (DOCC) we have developed and applied methods for theoretical and numerical analysis in modelling and simulation of dynamical processes, such as stability, nonlinearity, transport and structure formation. In particular we have considered meso- and macroscopic many-body and continuum systems of solids, soft matter, liquids, gases and plasmas, that are characterised by complex couplings between its constituents, its environment, or multi-scale dependence.
Many contemporary research and technology fields rely on modelling and simulation (M&S) as a fundamental tool. A variety of areas require in-depth understanding of structural and dynamical properties of matter and materials, whose meso- and macroscopic many-body or continuum properties often show a high level of dynamic complexity. Researchers in M&S across all areas are faced with a number of common challenges that complicate both model building and computational simulation, as well as the resulting application to complex dynamical systems. DOCC has prepared Europe's next top modellers to link simulations and the real world within a multi-disciplinary environment, by providing beyond essential technical expertise also the training in key abilities to communicate and transfer methods and results.
Our world and society increasingly rely on accurate predictions, on trustworthy implementation of processes, and timely political decisions, which are based on reliable modelling, simulation and understanding of complex dynamical systems. The often neglected "soft" skills of communicating and discussing the underlying essential issues of reliability, uncertainty, and predictability of consequences inherent to models and simulations become increasingly important. Targeted training in communication and knowledge-transfer skills was therefore implemented as a central supplementary pillar within the programme. A further aspect was based on cooperations with and secondments of fellows to intersectoral partners. All fellows in the programme have been offered the possibility to benefit from intersectoral exposure through existing or newly established regional or international industrial or public-sector partners, and from specific training courses on career-related skills and perspectives.
DOCC provided structured training in both research-relevant and professional skills by building expertise in the intersectorally seminal fields of computational material, fluid and gas dynamics, which procures multiple topical technological, societal and medical applications relevant to climate, energy, safety, or nano and life sciences. In our research focus on "Dynamics Of Complex Continua" (DOCC) we have developed and applied methods for theoretical and numerical analysis in modelling and simulation of dynamical processes, such as stability, nonlinearity, transport and structure formation. In particular we have considered meso- and macroscopic many-body and continuum systems of solids, soft matter, liquids, gases and plasmas, that are characterised by complex couplings between its constituents, its environment, or multi-scale dependence.
Many contemporary research and technology fields rely on modelling and simulation (M&S) as a fundamental tool. A variety of areas require in-depth understanding of structural and dynamical properties of matter and materials, whose meso- and macroscopic many-body or continuum properties often show a high level of dynamic complexity. Researchers in M&S across all areas are faced with a number of common challenges that complicate both model building and computational simulation, as well as the resulting application to complex dynamical systems. DOCC has prepared Europe's next top modellers to link simulations and the real world within a multi-disciplinary environment, by providing beyond essential technical expertise also the training in key abilities to communicate and transfer methods and results.
Our world and society increasingly rely on accurate predictions, on trustworthy implementation of processes, and timely political decisions, which are based on reliable modelling, simulation and understanding of complex dynamical systems. The often neglected "soft" skills of communicating and discussing the underlying essential issues of reliability, uncertainty, and predictability of consequences inherent to models and simulations become increasingly important. Targeted training in communication and knowledge-transfer skills was therefore implemented as a central supplementary pillar within the programme. A further aspect was based on cooperations with and secondments of fellows to intersectoral partners. All fellows in the programme have been offered the possibility to benefit from intersectoral exposure through existing or newly established regional or international industrial or public-sector partners, and from specific training courses on career-related skills and perspectives.
DOCC has been directed towards advanced training of 15 early-stage researchers in modelling and simulation in fundamental and applied sciences. At the end of the final reporting period, joint training activities were completed, and many fellows have successfully defended their PhD theses, while further fellows will submit their theses in the following months.
Major management work had initially concerned the calls for applications, and the recruiting and employment processes, which were complicated under the challenging pandemic conditions over a large part of the programme period. The primary information and dissemination medium of the overall programme and its calls had been the DOCC web presence. Evaluation and selection took longer than anticipated because of a large number of applications, the necessity for a third call, and delays caused by world-wide institutional shut-downs and travel restrictions. The pandemic had mainly affected the 2nd and 3rd application calls, and caused delays in the starting dates for some fellows. Although this resulted in individually shifted training periods, the joint training has commenced as planned, and all fellows were for example able to attend several of the annual DOCC summer schools.
The DOCC training programme intended to enhance the potential and future career perspectives of fellows. It was based on support towards gaining potential in field-specific research training, interdisciplinary and transferable skills training.
Many fellows have completed or progressed far in their specific research work. The programme covered multiple research fields, so that an overview on all results would be disproportionate. Individual results have significantly evolved computational modelling and simulation in their discipline. Exemplarily, novel machine learning methods were successfully applied on problems in mathematics, bio-physics and fusion energy research, and new models were developed for applications such as earthquake damage prevention, waste water treatment, or understanding of cosmic ray transport.
Results were mainly disseminated by journal publications and conference contributions. So far 28 journal and 11 proccedings peer-reviewed publications from or with contributions from DOCC fellows have appeared (and further in preparation or under review, with 6 published pre-prints), and 30 (online or on-site) oral or poster conference contributions have been presented.
A major general result of the programme was the qualification of the fellows in essential competencies on modelling and simulation. Further interdisciplinary training and transferable skills training were provided in the form of various offered training courses (lectures, seminars, summer/winter schools). DOCC supported the career prospects of the fellows by providing personal mentoring and career development plans, practical intersectoral secondments, and international experience. All fellows had been assigned an individual intersectoral mentor, and annual coaching discussions were pursued. DOCC had further offered possibilities for additional extra-sectoral and international secondments.
All in all, the training programme of DOCC has been completed largely as planned, and, despite some unavoidable delays, has resulted in a notable number of high quality dissertations, conference contributions and peer-reviewed publications.
Major management work had initially concerned the calls for applications, and the recruiting and employment processes, which were complicated under the challenging pandemic conditions over a large part of the programme period. The primary information and dissemination medium of the overall programme and its calls had been the DOCC web presence. Evaluation and selection took longer than anticipated because of a large number of applications, the necessity for a third call, and delays caused by world-wide institutional shut-downs and travel restrictions. The pandemic had mainly affected the 2nd and 3rd application calls, and caused delays in the starting dates for some fellows. Although this resulted in individually shifted training periods, the joint training has commenced as planned, and all fellows were for example able to attend several of the annual DOCC summer schools.
The DOCC training programme intended to enhance the potential and future career perspectives of fellows. It was based on support towards gaining potential in field-specific research training, interdisciplinary and transferable skills training.
Many fellows have completed or progressed far in their specific research work. The programme covered multiple research fields, so that an overview on all results would be disproportionate. Individual results have significantly evolved computational modelling and simulation in their discipline. Exemplarily, novel machine learning methods were successfully applied on problems in mathematics, bio-physics and fusion energy research, and new models were developed for applications such as earthquake damage prevention, waste water treatment, or understanding of cosmic ray transport.
Results were mainly disseminated by journal publications and conference contributions. So far 28 journal and 11 proccedings peer-reviewed publications from or with contributions from DOCC fellows have appeared (and further in preparation or under review, with 6 published pre-prints), and 30 (online or on-site) oral or poster conference contributions have been presented.
A major general result of the programme was the qualification of the fellows in essential competencies on modelling and simulation. Further interdisciplinary training and transferable skills training were provided in the form of various offered training courses (lectures, seminars, summer/winter schools). DOCC supported the career prospects of the fellows by providing personal mentoring and career development plans, practical intersectoral secondments, and international experience. All fellows had been assigned an individual intersectoral mentor, and annual coaching discussions were pursued. DOCC had further offered possibilities for additional extra-sectoral and international secondments.
All in all, the training programme of DOCC has been completed largely as planned, and, despite some unavoidable delays, has resulted in a notable number of high quality dissertations, conference contributions and peer-reviewed publications.
Above all, within the overall European context, the development of regional and national industries will profit from the highly trained graduates of the programme, which is also well aligned with the Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) in Tyrol and Austria. The DOCC programme perfectly fits with Tyrolian Innovation Priority topics, in particular on increasing the regional capabilities and expertise in the scientific domains of mathematics, computer and information sciences for the four (of six) topics on "Information Technologies", "Material and Production Technologies", "Climate and Energy Research" and "Life Sciences".
The programme has ensured that the fellows have become familiar with a significant range of methods and ways of thinking, which are necessary and important skills for all ESR in research and innovation.
The programme has ensured that the fellows have become familiar with a significant range of methods and ways of thinking, which are necessary and important skills for all ESR in research and innovation.