Dr. Duncan Watts

Biography

Duncan J. Watts is a University Professor at the Annenberg School for Communication, with primary appointments in the Department of Computer and Information Science and the Department of Operations, Information and Decisions at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the social and economic dynamics of networks and complex systems, examining how they evolve over time and influence individual behavior and decision-making. He has extensively published on topics related to social networks, collective dynamics of 'small-world' networks, and the impact of network structure on information diffusion. Watts has a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego, and has worked at various prestigious institutions, contributing significantly to the understanding of social network theory and its applications in various fields. He is known for his interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from sociology, computer science, and management. As a recognized thought leader in his field, Watts continues to teach and mentor students, pushing the boundaries of research in network dynamics and social influence.

Research Interests