Patterns in Chaos: Exploring Complex Systems - with Professor Michael Small episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 10, 2025 · 45 MIN

Patterns in Chaos: Exploring Complex Systems - with Professor Michael Small

from The Random Sample · host MACSYS

What does it really mean for something to be complex - and how can mathematics help us make sense of it? In this episode of The Random Sample, our guest is Professor Michael Small, leader of the Complex Systems Group at the University of Western Australia. Michael’s research uses mathematics to uncover hidden patterns in the chaos of the world around us - from social networks and pandemics to psychiatric illness and engineering problems. Michael also shares candid thoughts on the pressures of academic publishing. Plus, we also dive into the rise of artificial intelligence, where Michael argues AI won’t replace mathematics - but it will change it. It’s a wide-ranging discussion – hosted by Dr Mehwish Nasim, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Western Australia. Episode webpage: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/complex-systems-michael-small/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Patterns in Chaos: Exploring Complex Systems - with Professor Michael Small

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What does it really mean for something to be complex - and how can mathematics help us make sense of it? In this episode of The Random Sample, our guest is Professor Michael Small, leader of the Complex Systems Group at the University of Western...

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