Research domains

My research domain is the study of complex systems. My approach consists in exploiting statistical properties, multiscale analysis, non-linear modelisation, the physical properties of the signals, in order to propose new ways to deal with multi-disciplinary problems. More generally, I seek to extract most information out of experimental data, how that information can be used to build better models and produce better predictions.

I currently work on a new modeling technique. How, starting from observations on a given physical process, to build a reliable model of that process dynamics? When multiple processes interact at different scales, how to obtain a significant model at each of these scales? The goal is to provide a model simple enough to bring some understanding of the system studied, but also a model elaborated enough to allow precise predictions. In order to do so, this project proposes to identify causally equivalent classes of system states, then model their evolution with a stochastic process. Applications primarily concern natural sciences.

First results, together with an article preprint, code and examples, are now available on this page!

This work extends some earlier results to the general case of continuous time, (nearly-)arbitrary data. In order to do so, I have obtained the recognition of Inria's « Exploratory Actions » program, which allows me to fully dedicate time to this fundamental research. I also collaborate with the Complexity Science center at UC Davis.

I have previously worked on remote sensing of the environment and on granular matter physics, domains in which I still maintain some collaborations. That work consisted of the analysis of experimental signals, modelling, designing new algorithms and running numerical simulations.

Details on my main findings are given through the menu on the left. A not-necessarily-up-to-date-and-partial list of my publications is available on this page. See also our research team web site.

Affiliation

I am a tenured member of the Geostat team at INRIA Bordeaux. I have also set up this associate team / joint project to collaborate with my colleagues in the US

I was previously affiliated with the following groups and projects:

• I worked at the Institute of Physics of Rennes and at the Physics department of Duke University.
• I was on the board of the French association on Artificial Intelligence (AFIA), for two years.
• I animated for a few years the Inter-disciplinary Research network on Complex Systems applied to the Environnement (RISC-E).

Software

The code for the algorithms and experiments detailed in my publications is available as free/libre software. See the software section of this site as well as my source code repository.