ProfessorJoachim Gudmundsson

Professor Joachim Gudmundsson's research focuses on developing effective algorithms and data structures for geometric data. In particular, he analyses movement - of people, of animals, of traffic - of anything for which we want to know more about movement patterns.

"Early analysis of movement data was done manually - and it still is, to a large extent - but the recent explosion in the amount of tracking available data requires novel analytical tools to further enhance the information that can be extracted. Algorithms can be applied to many different applications to support the work of experts in particular areas.

"For example, I am currently working with ecologists in Israel, using algorithms to detect bird migration patterns. In this way we can better understand the birds' movements, and provide tools to improve the management of endangered species.

"I've also been working with sports analysts in France. Cameras record football player's movements during games, then we analyse the data, calculate all possible passes, identify each player's movements and map out alternative options if they are available. This information can then be used to find out each player's weak and strong points, to improve training exercises and to develop set pieces.

"My research basically involves working out a step-by-step description of how to solve problems. I really liked solving puzzles when I was a kid, and in my current work I'm just trying to solve bigger and more complicated problems. It's incredibly exciting to solve a problem that no one else has been able to solve - I get a genuine buzz from it.

"I've been working in this area for 15 years. I received a Future Fellowship from the Australian research Council three years ago, which has allowed me to continue develop my research."