Rahul Gupta

Research

I am interested in a wide variety of subjects, with a focus on understanding and mitigating complexity.

Intelligence Augmentation

Syntropize

Complexity of Personal Computing

Personal Computers were originally invented as aids for our minds. But our failure to design software free from the constraints of the physical world has meant that computers have not yet succeeded in their mission to make us smarter.

Syntropize is a proposal and a proof-of-concept for a comprehensive redesign of the operating environment of personal computers that brings together information and functionality into a common workspace to create a unified computing experience. By amplifying our abilities to engage with complex ideas, Syntropize aims to unleash the critical thinking and creative potential of every individual and all society.

Learn more at the Syntropize website…

Cosmology

Supernova Cosmology in an Inhomogeneous Universe

Complexity of the Universe

Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that it is essential to consider the effects of inhomogeneities in matter distribution on the propagation of light beams while interpreting luminosity-redshift observations of ‘Type Ia’ Supernovae. Our failure to account for the complexity of the universe contributes towards an illusion of its accelerating expansion. The structure of matter in the universe might be thus sufficient to explain cosmic observations without the need to invoke exotic phenomena like dark energy.

Publications

• Supernova Cosmology in an Inhomogeneous Universe, Master’s Thesis, Stockholm University 2010

Power Transmission and Distribution

Open Automation Framework

Complexity of Power System Protection and Automation

Rapid advances in hardware technology have simultaneously been accompanied by the development and deployment of ever more sophisticated techniques and algorithms for the protection and automation of the electrical grid.

But, architecture and design of protective relays has not kept pace, leading to increased substation complexity that raises both costs and risk of failures.

We propose an Open Automation Framework to transparently integrate protection and automation functions within control panels so as to maximize reuse and redundancy. An open standard for design and architecture of protection and automation equipment will bring down the lifecycle costs of the automation infrastructure while simultaneously increasing the availability, reliability and security of the substation.

Publications

• Open Automation Framework, SWITCH 2016 - Innovation & Technology Summit, Vadodara 2016

Complex Systems

General Theory of Systems

A framework for Complexity

All of the above tie into my main interest, which is to understand complexity. Complexity pervades nature — it is what makes the world interesting. It is the defining feature of modern civilization. But our understanding of complexity is, at best, rudimentary. The consequences of which can range from the mildly wasteful to the absolutely catastrophic. And yet, we do not have a programme to understand complexity.

A General Theory of Systems provides the necessary conceptual framework to understand complexity from underlying principles that govern properties and behaviours of systems. Going into the future, this understanding of complexity will be essential to our ability to comprehend and cope with the world around us. The very success of our species will depend on it!

Education

Volunteer Experience

• Co-Author, Solid Notifications Protocol, 2022-2023
• Campaigner, SaveTheInternet.in, 2015-2016
• President, Freja Tenants Association, Stockholm Student Housing Foundation (SSSB), 2008-2009
• Board Member, Freja Tenants Association, Stockholm Student Housing Foundation (SSSB), 2007-2008
• Board Member, Physics Student Union (FÄR), Stockholm University, 2007-2009
• Umpire, Swedish Cricket League, 2009
• National Cadet Corps, 1997-1999

Achievements

• Graduated 2^nd in Class (of 120 students)

  Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology.

• Recipient of the Indian Society of Lighting Engineers (ISLE) National Scholarship, 2006

  Awarded to outstanding students in the field of Illumination Engineering.

• Merit Certificate in English, All India Senior Secondary Examination, 2000

  Awarded to less than 0.1% of examinees for exceptional performance in Grade X national examinations in India.

• Qualified Stage I, National Talent Search Examination, 2000

  National Talent Search Scheme is regarded as the most prestigious scholarship program at the high school level in India.