News

Professor Ginestra Bianconi from the School of Mathematical Sciences has been awarded the 2025 Euler Award by the Network Science Society. This esteemed award recognises Professor Bianconi's groundbreaking contributions to the field of network theory.

The Network Science Society cited Professor Bianconi "For pioneering contributions to the theory of generalised networks, encompassing both the structural and dynamical aspects of multiplex and higher-order systems." This recognition highlights her innovative work in developing a deeper understanding of complex systems by moving beyond traditional pairwise interactions to explore the intricate relationships within multiplex and higher-order networks.

The Euler Award is granted to one network scientist each year who has made outstanding research discoveries in the field of network science, especially those that changed paradigms or assumptions. It is named in honour of the prolific Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler, whose work laid foundational principles for network analysis. The prize recognises fundamental contributions that have significantly advanced the field.

Professor Bianconi's research focuses on network theory and is fundamental to shedding light on brain research, a new generation of AI algorithms, and the relation of the theory of complex systems with theoretical physics. Besides her foundational work on the entropy of multiplex networks and the critical phenomena unfolding on them, Professor Bianconi has recently proposed a paradigm shift for understanding higher-order network dynamics. By combining algebraic topology with non-linear dynamics, this new research field is profoundly transforming our understanding of the interplay between structure and dynamics in complex systems, which is foundational for the theory of complex systems.

Upon receiving the news, Professor Bianconi said: "I am truly honoured to receive this very prestigious prize from the Network Science Society. It is fantastic to be recognised for the research that, together with my collaborators, I have conducted in these last ten years. Uncovering the deep connections between network topology, geometry and dynamics has been simply a great scientific journey. Together with the information theory of networks rooted in network entropy, I am sure this theoretical framework will give rise to a comprehensive understanding of complex systems. I am looking forward to our further collective exploration of network theory and the positive impact of this research on science and society."

This award further solidifies Queen Mary's position as a leading centre for network science research and highlights the exceptional talent within its School of Mathematical Sciences. The university community extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Bianconi on this well-deserved achievement.

For more information about the Euler Award, please visit the Network Science Society's webpage.