Dr Robert Edwin Rouse
- Assistant Research Professor
Contact
Location
- Centre for Mathematical Sciences
- Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA
About
Robert is an assistant research professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) at the University of Cambridge.
He completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge in machine learning applied to hydrology and tropical cyclones and has Master’s degrees from Cambridge, Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art with a broader background in applied mathematics, engineering and design. He leverages his multidisciplinary background to engage with diverse stakeholders and engage in inter- and trans-disciplinary research.
Research
Research interests
- AI
- Machine learning
- Climate science
- Extreme phenomena
- Natural hazards
- Ecology
- System design
- Optimisation
- Foresight
- Science and policy
Robert’s current research is focused in two main areas, the first of which is extreme phenomena and natural hazards, such as floods, heatwaves, and storms. He primarily utilises empirical and statistical modelling techniques, including machine learning, to predict the formation, evolution and impact of these hazards as well as understand key drivers of risk, such as the climatological and human impact on water resources.
Robert's second area of interest is the design and optimisation of natural and human systems, such as land use for maximising food production, biodiversity, and minimising carbon emissions or investigating strategies to minimise the impact of lethal heatwaves. Robert is actively involved with helping policy makers to understand research in these areas and maximise translational impact.
A growing area of interest for Robert is foresight and exploring future environmental and societal scenarios, particularly with regard to cascade failures and compound effects. He is working on building interdisciplinary research consortia and welcomes inquiries on projects related to any of his research interests.
Teaching and supervision
Robert is supervising 2 MPhil students, 2 interns, and is co-supervising 2 PhD students.