SONIC is developing a computationally intensive methodology that has as a dual focus:

(i) advancing the basic science of social networks in communities and

(ii) designing, developing, and deploying a more general-purpose suite of web-based social and knowledge networking tools to enable and empower communities using the next generation cyber-infrastructure.

Design by Ossoba Studio

Welcome to the Science of Networks in Communities

The Science of Networks in Communities (SONIC) research group helps to understand and meet the needs of diverse communities, using social network theories, methods, and tools.

SONIC is led by Noshir Contractor, the Jane S. & William J. White Professor of Behavioral Sciences in Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences, Communication Studies, and Management & Organizations at Northwestern University. The group develops cutting-edge techniques to study and improve social and knowledge networks in large communities, such as distributed working groups, virtual teams, and online communities. Using a comprehensive methodology, SONIC researchers model, assess, validate, and enable the emergence of social and knowledge networks.

SONIC also helps communities discover their existing communication and knowledge networks, diagnose their network’s health by measuring its robustness, connectedness, bottlenecks, etc., and design the social incentives and technical infrastructure needed for networks to function at optimal effectiveness.