We are a dynamic research group, led by Prof Cang Hui, the SARChI Chair in Mathematical and Theoretical Physical Biosciences. Our work bridges mathematics and biology, focusing on developing models and theories to explain emerging biological complexity. Nature never fails to amaze us. Scientific research endeavours to quantify its forms, decipher the hidden mechanisms at play, and, in time, unveil the myestery of its functioning. Our primary research interests include identifying and deciphering the patterns of biodiversity, spatiotemporal dynamics, and open adaptive networks arising from ecological and evolutionary interactions. Given the complexity and adaptability of natural processes, we leverage the simplicity and precision of mathematical language to construct models and theoretical frameworks that enhance our understanding of these phenomena. Beyond mathematical ecology and modelling, our studies have spanned into population ecology, community ecology, network ecology, evolutionary ecology, macroecology, global change biology, and invasion biology. For selected topics on our theoretical modelling, see Ecological and Evolutionary Modelling (2018 Springer). For our syntheses on hypotheses, models and theories of invasion science, refer to Invasion Dynamics (2017 Oxford University Press). Lastly, for “an atlas of possibilities” on the concept of open adaptive networks, explore Invading Ecological Networks (2022 Cambridge University Press).

Physical address

Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Merriman Avenue, Stellenbosch
Contact: Mrs JE (Hanlie) Swart | Office: 1018 | E-mail: jer@sun.ac.za | Tel: +27 (021) 808-4907 | BioMath Hub