ResHI

This research project, proposed in collaboration with Handicap International, aims to work on the understanding, measure and improvement of the resilience of societies. We propose an approach to understand systemic instabilities, focusing on the interactions between different components of a system. To enable this change of perspective, based not on the study of distinct sub-parts of the network but on the system as a whole, we propose to combine mathematical tools such as networks and risk analysis and assessment approaches.

Firstly, we propose to model the environment (warehouses, airports, hospitals, schools, refugee camps, roads, etc.) and the interactions between the nodes of the system as a multilayer complex network. This model will serve as a working basis for the following two stages. Secondly, we will work on measuring resilience by including the cascading failure mechanisms that can occur during crises. We will seek to prioritize the actions to be taken (rehabilitate a bridge or an airport for example) to mitigate the impacts of the crisis by maximizing the flows of products and people. Finally, we will seek to achieve greater efficiency in the allocation of available resources.

We will start by applying our approach to the case of Madagascar, where the regions of Diana and Boeny in particular are very vulnerable to natural crises such as cyclones and floods. Then we will look at a more complex case like that of Haiti or Mozambique, where the political, security and environmental context leads to major logistical challenges. Indeed, security constraints and the state of infrastructure in these areas, as well as the regular movements of affected populations, make effective planning and distribution of essential supplies difficult.

We are currently hiring a master student for an internship and / or a PhD thesis