Work

Pillars

We structure our work via four interdependent pillars

1. Fundamental research

Pioneering a mathematical systems science

Technologies encode patterns of perception, thought, and action. The most powerful such patterns are often mathematical, such as optimising a metric, or mapping a social network. Our fundamental research team draws on a rich lineage in the mathematical field of category theory to develop the foundational insights into the processes of collective sense-making and the nature of complex systems that are required for transformative new technologies. In addition to open access scholarly presentations and publications, we seek to be open and inclusive in our team-based research culture, through a commitment to online talks, blog articles, and visiting positions that build community and increase the accessibility of our research process and discoveries.

2. Translational research

Developing tools for collective modelling

Software scales impact, by codifying powerful ideas and making them accessible for use. Our translational research team explores how to translate our new mathematics of collective sense-making into new software libraries and platforms tools that advance practice. While doing so, we’re committed to designing technical, financial, cultural, and governance structures that ensure our tools are aligned with and empower the communities that use them. Concretely, we tackle problems such as collaboratively creating models that can allow us to reason about the safety of complex systems, and participatory modelling of pandemics and public health policy.

3. Societal engagement

Forging new practices for pro-social technology

The research questions we pursue are a direct result of the experiences we have in the world. Although still in early stages, we are committed to robust dialogue and collaboration with those working directly on matters of pressing social concern and those who we seek to serve. At the same time, we nurture a culture and structure in which these questions of values and society deeply influence our research as it unfolds, and we convene conversations about technology’s role in a society that supports the flourishing of all.

4. Institution building

Pioneering new sustainable structures for technology research and development for the public good

New technologies reshape society. Topos is an experiment in a new sort of institution that vertically integrates research, technology development, and public service. We aim to contribute to the search for sustainable models of a new style of institution, complementing academic and for-profit groups, that can help create a world in which the infrastructure of the future belongs to the public.

Themes

We currently focus on four research themes

For a complete list of all the artefacts we’ve produced from our research, see our output page.