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Abstract

In this lecture I describe how mathematical approaches have been used to build understanding of the structure of human social networks and their properties.  Social networks can reflect social and economic ties of many types, such as who-socialises-with-whom, who-collaborates-with-whom, or who-offers-credit-to-whom.  Starting with the simplest assumption of a social network as a random graph, I explain how the interplay between mathematical and empirical studies of networks has led to progressively more sophisticated and effective models.  A number of case examples illuminate the trajectory of model development and illustrate that a key to successful progress has been to allow for endogenous local processes in the formation and dissolution of network ties.  I also point to ways in which the current modelling suite can advance our understanding of some important social outcomes and then touch briefly on active areas of further model development.  

About the speaker

Pattison’s research focuses on the development and application of mathematical and statistical models for social networks and network processes. Her work has broad application, from tracking the spread of infectious diseases to following the recovery of communities after the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

Pattison has published several books and numerous book chapters and scholarly papers and is also a regular invited speaker to international conferences. In 1995 Pattison was elected a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. In 2014 Pattison was awarded Professor Emeritus from the University of Melbourne. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales.