Rate Professor Michael Small

Professional Summary: Professor Michael Small

Professor Michael Small is a distinguished academic at the University of Western Australia (UWA), recognized for his expertise in applied mathematics, complex systems, and nonlinear dynamics. With a career spanning multiple institutions and impactful contributions to his field, he has established himself as a leading researcher and educator in the study of complex networks and chaos theory.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Small holds advanced degrees in mathematics and related fields, reflecting his deep foundation in theoretical and applied sciences. Specific details of his academic qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematics, University of Western Australia
• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, University of Western Australia

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Small’s research focuses on the analysis and modeling of complex systems, with particular emphasis on nonlinear dynamics, chaos theory, and network science. His work often bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in areas such as epidemiology, engineering, and social systems. Key areas of interest include:

• Complex networks and their applications
• Nonlinear time series analysis
• Chaos and dynamical systems
• Interdisciplinary applications of mathematics in health and technology

Career History and Appointments

Professor Small has held several prestigious academic positions, contributing to research and teaching at leading institutions. His career trajectory includes:

• Professor of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Western Australia (current)
• Previous academic roles at institutions such as Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he contributed to research in complex systems
• Visiting and collaborative roles with international research groups focused on network science

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Small has been recognized for his contributions to mathematics and complex systems research through various accolades. Notable honors include:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship, acknowledging his innovative research in complex networks
• Recognition for impactful publications in high-ranking journals within applied mathematics and physics

Key Publications

Professor Small has authored and co-authored numerous influential papers and articles in peer-reviewed journals. A selection of his key publications includes:

• Applied Nonlinear Time Series Analysis: Applications in Physics, Physiology and Finance (2005) – A seminal book on nonlinear dynamics
• “Complex networks and human language” – Published in Nature Physics (2008)
• “Super-spreaders and the rate of transmission of the SARS virus” – Published in Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena (2006)
• Multiple papers on network theory and chaos in journals such as Physical Review Letters and Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science (various years)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Small’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of complex systems and their real-world applications. His work on nonlinear dynamics and network analysis has influenced fields ranging from epidemiology to engineering, providing tools to model and predict behaviors in intricate systems. His publications are widely cited, and he is regarded as a thought leader in the interdisciplinary application of mathematics. Additionally, his contributions to modeling disease spread, such as during the SARS outbreak, have had tangible societal impact.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Small is actively involved in the academic community through public engagement and leadership roles. His contributions include:

• Delivering invited lectures and keynote speeches at international conferences on complex systems and applied mathematics
• Serving on editorial boards of prominent journals in nonlinear dynamics and network science, such as Chaos
• Participation in scientific committees and review panels for research funding bodies, including the Australian Research Council