This project addresses the important problem of modelling, in the presence of uncertainty, of society, climate and environment in Brazil, by supporting the development and implementation of state-of-the-art mathematical insights in this endeavour. This is done also through interactions with mathematicians at Imperial College London, and consists of a workshop and conference in Brazil with world-leading experts in the field.
Ongoing changes in society, climate and the environment pose urgent challenges to developing countries, with consequences most felt by the poorest and least developed parts of society. Acute problems include social mobility, food production and disease control. Key to understanding and controlling such, are mathematical models with common mathematical methodologies, providing opportunities for synergies. The project focuses on the role of uncertainty in early warning signals for, and the control of, (rapid) critical transitions in the setting of complex (networked) systems with uncertainty (noise).
There is an urgent need to enhance Brazil’s ability to develop and use state-of-the-art technology in support of its developmental aims. Mathematical expertise is increasingly relevant and necessary for the development and analysis of quantitative models, using (rapidly increasing amounts of) data, to support sound developmental policy decisions. The proposed activity addresses this capacity building, noting that the poor are most affected by Brazil’s societal, climate and environmental problems. Hence, strengthening Brazil’s scientific and mathematical ability to respond to these challenges will disproportionally benefit the poor.
Gender equality in science (and mathematics) is a challenge in Brazil and elsewhere. We address this challenge by reserving dedicated support for female Brazilian (and regional) mathematicians, sending a strong signal that female mathematicians have a key role to play in Brazil’s development.