Two new FIS projects for Luiss Host Institution

Complex systems and digital self-determination take centre stage in FIS Grants dedicated to fundamental research of excellence
Date:
14/09/2026
Author:
Redazione/Staff

Luiss remains a leading centre for top-quality fundamental research, welcoming two new Starting Grants funded by the Italian Science Fund (FIS), the Ministry of University and Research’s (MUR) initiative to support projects with a high scientific content.

In the field of Complex Systems Physics, Professor Federico Battiston leads the project “CODYBE – Collective dynamics in networks beyond pairwise interactions”. The project aims to develop a new mathematical framework for studying complex systems, going beyond the limitations of traditional network descriptions to incorporate the higher-order interactions that characterise biological, social, and technological systems. Using tools from statistical physics, graph theory, and dynamical systems, the project aims to understand the emerging behaviours of complexity and quantify the structure of real-world networks.

In the field of Digital Law and Governance, Professor Antonio Davola is the scientific lead for the project “FAST-D – Framing Self-Determination in Digital Ecosystems”. The project aims to redefine the concept of digital self-determination to protect users’ autonomy and freedom of choice in online environments. By combining legal analysis with empirical experiments, FAST-D examines the techniques digital players use to influence user behaviour – such as mass personalisation of content, dynamic choice architectures, and dependency strategies – with the aim of providing courts and decision-makers with objective metrics and effective regulatory tools.

Inspired by the model of the European Research Council (ERC), the Italian Science Foundation promotes basic research and the generation of new knowledge. The two Grants will be developed at Luiss, chosen by the Principal Investigators as the Host Institution for the implementation of the three-year projects, strengthening the University’s ability to attract talent and its standing in the broad fields of Physical Sciences and Engineering and the Social Sciences and Humanities.