Session topics at MeshForum

MeshForum 2005, May 1-3, will cover many aspects of Networks - from explorations of the study of Networks directly to specific types of Networks, to specific case studies and overviews of challenges around Networks, the topics will be many and diverse.

Running in a single track, formats will vary from presentations to panel discussions to interactive exercises for all attendees. All sessions will heavily involve the audience.

Suggestions for additional topics are welcome, please add them as comments to this post.

Networks - a survey of the current science of Networks with short presentations by leading experts and researchers from sociology to econophysics.

The Mathematics of Networks - from graph theory to applied Chaos how modern mathematics and computation allow for rich study of Network phenomenon.

Lessons from the Field - short case studies for experts working directly with complex networks - panelists could include experts from Intelligences organizations, airline schedulers, logistics experts, computer scientists, and master salespeople.

Case Studies - longer presentations by a panel of experts from a specific field

Using a Network Lens - how focusing on the Network properties of a given area offers an opportunity to gain new insights and create value. Whether by harnessing distributed social network phenomenon as shown by the politicians raising money on the web, or how understanding Networks is key to the organizational power of successful entities from Amway to Visa to the US military.

Economics of a Network - or "how to make money from a power law". Lessons from successful organizations that have leveraged Networks and an understanding of Networks to financial success.

Navigating Networks - having a "network" is not the end goal, rather it is just one step in an ongoing process, the network has to then do something, how this happens will be presented by people who not just work within a network but are experts in techniques for navigating and optimizing networks.

How to map a network? Or how to visualize something in 4 dimensions. One of the more technical presentations and one of the few at MeshForum which may involve a visual presentation, this panel will explore some of the variety of tools and techniques for picturing and representing complex, dynamic systems.

Securing a network. Networks from Power Grids to Social networks are frequently subject to "attacks" (a power plant may go offline, an employee may leave, a distribution point may close, a cell in a body may die). How can lessons learned from various fields be adapted to enhance, optimize and secure Networks in other fields?

How many "types" of networks are there? Many commonly encountered networks seem to be of the "hub and spoke" model - with a few "nodes" that are linked to many, and most nodes that are linked but at a much lower level than the top "hubs". But are there other types of networks?