Our Research Streams and Themes

Our Research Philosophy

The name of the NEX.T LAB is composed of "NEXus" and "Technology", creating a new word that can be read as "NEXT" or NEXT Technology" or "Nexus Technology". The NEX.T LAB focuses on developing innovative and fair solutions for addressing sustainable development goals,  particularly those related to smart living, climate change mitigation and energy transition. The circles in the logo highlight our attention to circularity in our activities. It shows various levels of circularity, from cradle-to-gate, to cradle-to-grave, and and cradle-to-cradle (i.e. full circularity). 

 Our research streams

Circularity: Sustainable (Energy) Systems

We use systems thinking approach in developing circular solutions for challenges in the context of critical infrastructure, particularly energy (electricity and gas), water, and food. We use optimisation, data science, and AI methodologies in planning, design, efficient operation, and secure operation of energy systems at household, community, commercial, national and international scales. 


 

Connectedness: NetworX Analytics

We are surrounded with, and are part of, various networks including genetics, genealogy, social, economic and environmental networks. Add to these the so-called critical infrastructure networks (e.g., telecommunications, water, gas, electricity, and transportation including roadway, railway, airway, seaway, and subway). The key challenge in dealing with complex networks is to understand how they adapt, evolve, and behave. We can study them by describing and modelling them, using network theories and borrowing knowledge from various disciplines and applications.

 

Digitality: Digital Twins and Visual Analytics

We have over two decades of experience in the development of digital twins for chemical and energy process systems including refineries, chemical manufacturing, offshore platforms, microgrids, community energy systems, and international supply chains. 

Behavioural: User-integrated Service and Product Design

A System or product is often designed and operated by humans for humans. There is a high possibility of a service or product failure without consideration of humans' attitudes, biases, needs, and expectations before the design (and their behaviour after the design). We use combinations of surveys and behavioural decision-making algorithms to integrate user preferences and behaviour in our product or service design.