The Center for Research and Applications of Nonlinear Systems (C.R.A.N.S) was founded by the Senate of the University of Patras, in July 1996. Its main purpose is to contribute to the advancement of research and educational activities of scientists of working on theoretical and applied problems of Nonlinear Science and Complexity.
More specifically, C.R.A.N.S aims to:
· Promote interdisciplinary research collaborations on nonlinear and complex systems of applied sciences.
· Organize lectures and seminars on the most recent developments in Nonlinear Dynamics and the Science of Complexity.
· Develop new educational methods for teaching the ideas and methods of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Chaos at the undergraduate and graduate level.
· Help in the organization of International and Pan Hellenic Conferences and Summer Schools on nonlinear systems.
The main research interests of C.R.A.N.S members include:
· Nonlinear Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
· Nonlinear Difference Equations and Discrete Dynamics (Mappings, Cellular Automata, Time Series, Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithms)
· Dynamical Systems, Chaos, Nonlinear Waves, Solitons and Fluid Dynamics
· Nonlinear Oscillations in Lattices, Electrical Circuits, Population Dynamics
· Applications of Nonlinear Dynamics to Cardiac and Brain Electrical Activity, Nonlinear Time Series in Meteorology, Geology and Economics.
Other activities of C.R.A.N.S. include:
· Publication of scientific papers co-authored by C.R.A.N.S members emphasizing collaboration with other Departments and Institutes
· Submission of proposals to research and educational programmes of Greece and the EU by inter-departmental groups of C.R.A.N.S