Professor ozgur akman memorial fund travel bursary
The Mathematics and Statistics Department are honoured to establish a travel bursary in memory of the late Professor Ozgur Akman who died suddenly in October 2022.
Ozgur had worked at the University of Exeter since 2010 and was an active researcher, educator and valued member of our community. Ozgur’s research work was particularly focused on understanding biological systems using mathematical and computational methods. He worked with and inspired people across different disciplines including bioscientists, clinicians and computer scientists. His interests lay predominantly at the interface between dynamical systems and data analysis, developing mathematical models of biological systems and methods to fuse these models with real-world data.
In particular, he made important contributions in modelling circadian rhythms and pathological eye oscillations (nystagmus rhythms). He developed methods to simplify complex models of circadian gene expression: fusing Boolean delay models with simplified representations of data to understand the key feedback circuits that can generate genetic oscillations. He also helped improve our understanding of, and ability to classify, nystagmus by linking ideas from dynamical systems theory with real-world data.
Ozgur’s work, ideas and enthusiasm have inspired ongoing programmes of research including the development of modelling and analysis tools to help understand, identify and treat neurological conditions such as epilepsy, and to track and promote healthy neurodevelopment. Further details of Ozgur’s work can be found here:
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=b3JXid4AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=9738738500&origin=resultslist
Information about the travel bursary
Three bursaries of up to £500 each will be available. Applications for the bursary will be considered by a selection panel who will give primary consideration to the statement of purpose; the benefit that the travel will have for the student and/or their research; why the travel would not be possible without the bursary; and what steps will be taken to minimise the environmental impact.
