Our Expertise

Our transdisciplinary research is grounded in these key areas of expertise.

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3D flow chart

Developing computational models that capture interactions across biological, social, and engineered systems.
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big data dots filtered through simulation paths

Running large-scale simulations to explore scenarios, forecast outcomes, and support decision-making.
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Big data network

Using graph theory and network dynamics to understand how complex systems behave.
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AI neural network

Applying AI and machine learning to forecasting, decision support, and complex system analysis.
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digital twin city

Building realistic digital representations of populations and infrastructure to evaluate future outcomes.
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HPC room

Leveraging advanced computing to perform large-scale simulations and accelerate scientific discovery.
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ORNL CORE Backdrop

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and their CORE University Partners gathered in Charlottesville for the 2026 ORNL AI Core Universities Workshop, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming scientific discovery. Hosted in partnership with UVA and Virginia Tech, the two-day workshop featured keynote talks, research presentations, panel discussions, and a poster session showcasing 54 research projects.

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Richard Stearns

Richard Stearns helped establish the foundations of computational complexity theory, earning computer science’s highest honor along the way. But at the Biocomplexity Institute, his legacy is also deeply personal. For decades, Stearns remained a mentor, collaborator, and friend, sharing his extraordinary intellect, curiosity, and generosity with generations of researchers and students. Read about the scientist who helped shape a field, and the person whose influence reached far beyond it.

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Podcast thumbnail

How do we know what flu season will look like before it happens? BI researcher Aniruddha Adiga takes us inside the CDC’s FluSight forecasting network to explore how dozens of models, changing data, and plenty of uncertainty come together to help anticipate what may happen next.

Where Our Research Makes an Impact

These capabilities empower decision-makers with actionable insights for planning, response, and resilience.

BI by the Numbers

40+
years of large-scale systems modeling
$100M
grants & contracts since 2018
20+
federal & state partners

Our Latest Research Highlights

Find all of our publications on our Google Scholar page.