Computational modelling and information processing

Desktop galaxies

UVic astrophysicist Arif Babul uses powerful supercomputers to replicate the 14-billion-year history of the universe in complex simulations that produce 3D models of galaxies and galaxy systems.

The simulations, which can be observed as they change over time, are helping unravel the intricate relationships between gas, stars and dark matter. Learn more about Dr. Babul's research.

Applying information technology

UVic researchers are leading the way in the use of advanced computer modelling technologies to explore massively complex systems—such as climate change, galactic evolution, and the fleeting existence of new types of matter during high-energy collisions of sub-atomic particles.

As our ability to gather information about the world grows, we need better tools to make sense of it all. Powerful computing systems offer new ways for researchers to organize data, find patterns and predict changes.

The application of information technology to the acquisition, processing, visualization and transmission of information is a cornerstone of research across campus. UVic information technology expertise is being applied in areas such as:

• e-commerce
• new media
• health informatics
• preservation of Indigenous languages and culture
• renewable energy
• geomatics, including remote sensing and geographical information systems

Computational and systems engineering and design pervade all areas of engineering, and support research in other areas. UVic strengths include:

• computational fluid dynamics
• robotics
• image processing
• optoelectronics
• computer architecture
• network security

Learn more about Computational Modelling and Information Processing research at UVic:

• Faculty of Engineering Research
• Dept. of Physics and Astronomy research

• Researcher spotlights

Reading the future

Will electronic books relegate traditional books to museums? What can we learn from the evolution of print books to ensure that e-books enhance and expand the reading experience? UVic English professor Ray Siemens, the Canada Research Chair in Humanities Computing, is leading an international team of researchers and partner agencies on a seven-year quest to determine the future of the history of the book.

Says Siemens: “We want to apply humanities principles to a social technology issue to understand reading devices of the past and what they can offer to the future of reading.” Learn more about the INKE project.

Human-computer interaction

The rapid growth of computing technologies challenges our ability to visualize and navigate large bodies of information. UVic computer scientist Margaret-Anne Storey is developing software tools to help people organize, analyze and better comprehend what they’re seeing on screen.

As the Canada Research Chair in Software and Knowledge Visualization, she studies how people work with computers and develops software solutions for manipulating large amounts of information.

“Our goals are to improve tools that support software developers, knowledge engineers and student programmers,” she says. Learn more about the Computer Human Interaction & Software Engineering Lab.