Autonomous inference of complex network dynamics from incomplete and noisy data

Abstract

The availability of empirical data that capture the structure and behavior of complex networked systems has been greatly increased in recent years, however a versatile computational toolbox for unveiling a complex system's nodal and interaction dynamics from data remains elusive. Here we develop a two-phase approach for autonomous inference of complex network dynamics, and its effectiveness is demonstrated by the tests of inferring neuronal, genetic, social, and coupled oscillators dynamics on various synthetic and real networks. Importantly, the approach is robust to incompleteness and noises, including low resolution, observational and dynamical noises, missing and spurious links, and dynamical heterogeneity. We apply the two-phase approach to inferring the early spreading dynamics of H1N1 flu upon the worldwide airline network, and the inferred dynamical equation can also capture the spread of SARS and COVID-19 diseases. These findings together offer an avenue to discover the hidden microscopic mechanisms of a broad array of real networked systems.