Metadata
Title
Philip Pollett
Category
general
UUID
f59391fdb1a54048bf67cc668c1d7918
Source URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/342
Parent URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T07:46:32+00:00
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# Philip Pollett

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/342
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920

Emeritus Professor

# Philip Pollett

Email:
:   [pkp@maths.uq.edu.au](mailto:pkp@maths.uq.edu.au)

## Positions

Emeritus Professor
:   School of Mathematics and Physics
:   Faculty of Science

## Overview

### Background

Emeritus Professor Phil Pollett has research interests in Markov process theory, and mathematical modelling in population biology, ecology, epidemiology, seismology, chemical kinetics and telecommunications.

He holds an honours degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Adelaide and a PhD degree in Applied Probability from the University of Cambridge. He joined the then Department of Mathematics in 1987 as Senior Lecturer, having previously held positions at the University of Adelaide, Murdoch University and University College of Cardiff. He was promoted to Reader in 1993 and to Professor in 2004.

His research is recognized internationally for significant contributions to Markov process theory, and mathematical modelling. This research has been supported by 12 ARC Large/Discovery/Linkage grants. He was a Chief Investigator (2014-2021) within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistics Frontiers (ACEMS), and was a Chief Investigator (2002-2014) within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematics and Statistics of Complex Systems (MASCOS). In 1993, he was awarded the Moran Medal by the Australian Academy of Science for distinguished research in Applied Probability.

Phil Pollett has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of the Australian Mathematical Society, Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability, Stochastic Models, and The Annals of Applied Probability, and has served on the organizing committees of several major international conferences. He devised the Probability Web, recognized as the main Web resource for probabilists throughout the world, and one of the first academic web sites. He has a strong record of innovation in undergraduate teaching, and has guided the development of many postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows through supervision and collaboration.

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### Availability

Emeritus Professor Philip Pollett is:
:   Not available for supervision
:   Media expert

### Fields of research

[Applied mathematics](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4777)
[Statistics](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4885)

### Qualifications

- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Adelaide
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge
- Australian Mathematical Society, Australian Mathematical Society

## Works

[Search Professor Philip Pollett’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/607)

[All
(141)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/342/all)
[Journal Article
(117)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/342/4748)
[Conference Publication
(21)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/342/4751)
[Book Chapter
(3)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/342/4752)

2025

Journal Article

##### Hawkes Models and Their Applications

Laub, Patrick J., Lee, Young, Pollett, Philip K. and Taimre, Thomas (2025). Hawkes Models and Their Applications. Annual Review of Statistics and Its Application, 12 (1), 233-258. doi: 10.1146/annurev-statistics-112723-034304

[Hawkes Models and Their Applications](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ee1d2e8)

2024

Journal Article

##### An SIS epidemic model with individual variation

Pollett, Philip K. (2024). An SIS epidemic model with individual variation. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering, 21 (4), 5446-5455. doi: 10.3934/mbe.2024240

[An SIS epidemic model with individual variation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:2cb2563)

2022

Journal Article

##### A model for cell proliferation in a developing organism

Pollett, Philip K., Tafakori, Laleh and Taylor, Peter G. (2022). A model for cell proliferation in a developing organism. Journal of Mathematical Biology, 84 (7) 63, 1-22. doi: 10.1007/s00285-022-01769-5

[A model for cell proliferation in a developing organism](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:bd21f8f)

2022

Journal Article

##### Quasi-stationary distributions for queueing and other models

Pollett, Phil (2022). Quasi-stationary distributions for queueing and other models. Queueing Systems, 100 (3-4), 241-243. doi: 10.1007/s11134-022-09750-1

[Quasi-stationary distributions for queueing and other models](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e4bdfae)

2020

Journal Article

##### Normal approximations for discrete-time occupancy processes

Hodgkinson, Liam, McVinish, Ross and Pollett, Philip K. (2020). Normal approximations for discrete-time occupancy processes. Stochastic Processes and their Applications, 130 (10), 6414-6444. doi: 10.1016/j.spa.2020.05.016

[Normal approximations for discrete-time occupancy processes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:592bc3d)

2018

Journal Article

##### Local approximation of a metapopulation's equilibrium

Barbour, A. D., McVinish, R. and Pollett, P. K. (2018). Local approximation of a metapopulation's equilibrium. Journal of Mathematical Biology, 77 (3), 1-29. doi: 10.1007/s00285-018-1231-0

[Local approximation of a metapopulation's equilibrium](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:728309)

2016

Journal Article

##### A metapopulation model with Markovian landscape dynamics

McVinish, R., Pollett, P. K. and Chan, Y. S. (2016). A metapopulation model with Markovian landscape dynamics. Theoretical Population Biology, 112, 80-96. doi: 10.1016/j.tpb.2016.08.005

[A metapopulation model with Markovian landscape dynamics](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:409640)

2016

Journal Article

##### Limiting the spread of disease through altered migration patterns

McVinish, R., Pollett, P. K. and Shausan, A. (2016). Limiting the spread of disease through altered migration patterns. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 393, 60-66. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.12.019

[Limiting the spread of disease through altered migration patterns](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:379152)

2015

Journal Article

##### Connecting deterministic and stochastic metapopulation models

Barbour, A.D, McVinish, Ross and Pollett, Philip K (2015). Connecting deterministic and stochastic metapopulation models. Journal of Mathematical Biology, 71 (6), 1481-1504. doi: 10.1007/s00285-015-0865-4

[Connecting deterministic and stochastic metapopulation models](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:353967)

2015

Journal Article

##### Indirect detection of genetic dispersal (movement and breeding events) through pedigree analysis of dugong populations in southern Queensland, Australia

Cope R. C., Pollett, P. K., Lanyon, J. M. and Seddon, J. M. (2015). Indirect detection of genetic dispersal (movement and breeding events) through pedigree analysis of dugong populations in southern Queensland, Australia. Biological Conservation, 181, 91-101. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2014.11.011

[Indirect detection of genetic dispersal (movement and breeding events) through pedigree analysis of dugong populations in southern Queensland, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:346778)

2014

Journal Article

##### Development and testing of a genetic marker-based pedigree reconstruction system 'PR-genie' incorporating size-class data

Cope, Robert C., Lanyon, Janet M., Seddon, Jennifer M. and Pollett, Philip K. (2014). Development and testing of a genetic marker-based pedigree reconstruction system 'PR-genie' incorporating size-class data. Molecular Ecology Resources, 14 (4), 857-870. doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.12219

[Development and testing of a genetic marker-based pedigree reconstruction system 'PR-genie' incorporating size-class data](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:333855)

2014

Journal Article

##### A closing scheme for finding almost-invariant sets in open dynamical systems

Froyland, Gary, Pollett, Philip K. and Stewart, Robyn M. (2014). A closing scheme for finding almost-invariant sets in open dynamical systems. Journal of Computational Dynamics, 1 (1), 135-162. doi: 10.3934/jcd.2014.1.135

[A closing scheme for finding almost-invariant sets in open dynamical systems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:381387)

2014

Journal Article

##### Binomial autoregressive processes with density-dependent thinning

Weiss, Christian H. and Pollett, Philip K. (2014). Binomial autoregressive processes with density-dependent thinning. Journal of Time Series Analysis, 35 (2), 115-132. doi: 10.1002/jtsa.12054

[Binomial autoregressive processes with density-dependent thinning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:324506)

2014

Book Chapter

##### Distributed fault detection using consensus of Markov chains

Jovanović, Degan P. and Pollett, Philip K. (2014). Distributed fault detection using consensus of Markov chains. Optimization and control methods in industrial engineering and construction. (pp. 85-105) edited by Honglei Xu and Xiangyu Wang. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-94-017-8044-5\_6

[Distributed fault detection using consensus of Markov chains](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:327892)

2014

Journal Article

##### A model for a spatially structured metapopulation accounting for within patch dynamics

Smith, Andrew G., McVinish, Ross and Pollett, Philip K. (2014). A model for a spatially structured metapopulation accounting for within patch dynamics. Mathematical Biosciences, 247 (1), 69-79. doi: 10.1016/j.mbs.2013.11.001

[A model for a spatially structured metapopulation accounting for within patch dynamics](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:323413)

2014

Journal Article

##### The limiting behaviour of Hanski's incidence function metapopulation model

McVinish, R. and Pollett, P. K. (2014). The limiting behaviour of Hanski's incidence function metapopulation model. Journal of Applied Probability, 51 (2), 297-316. doi: 10.1239/jap/1402578626

[The limiting behaviour of Hanski's incidence function metapopulation model](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:335658)

2013

Journal Article

##### Quasi-stationary distributions for discrete-state models

van Doorn, Erik A. and Pollett, Philip K. (2013). Quasi-stationary distributions for discrete-state models. European Journal of Operational Research, 230 (1), 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.ejor.2013.01.032

[Quasi-stationary distributions for discrete-state models](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:305123)

2013

Journal Article

##### The limiting behaviour of a stochastic patch occupancy model

McVinish, R. and Pollett, P. K. (2013). The limiting behaviour of a stochastic patch occupancy model. Journal of Mathematical Biology, 67 (3), 693-716. doi: 10.1007/s00285-012-0568-z

[The limiting behaviour of a stochastic patch occupancy model](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:308527)

2013

Journal Article

##### Optimal design of experimental epidemics

Pagendam, D. E. and Pollett, P. K. (2013). Optimal design of experimental epidemics. Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference, 143 (3), 563-572. doi: 10.1016/j.jspi.2012.09.011

[Optimal design of experimental epidemics](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:288247)

2013

Journal Article

##### Special issue: modelling for decision making in ecological systems - preface

Bean, N. G., Pollett, P. K., Ross, J. V. and Taylor, P. G. (2013). Special issue: modelling for decision making in ecological systems - preface. Ecological Modelling, 249, 1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.07.034

[Special issue: modelling for decision making in ecological systems - preface](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:299144)

## Funding

### Past funding

- 2015 - 2018

  Random discrete structures: approximations and applications (ARC Discovery Project administered by The University of Melbourne)

  University of Melbourne

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23917)
- 2014 - 2021

  ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers of Big Data, Big Models, New Insights (University of Melbourne lead institution)

  University of Melbourne

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/22393)
- 2014

  Understanding the effects of individual variation on population dynamics

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21116)
- 2012 - 2015

  Random network models with applications in biology (ARC Discovery Project administered by the University of Melbourne)

  University of Melbourne

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14631)
- 2011 - 2013

  New methods for improving active adaptive management in biological systems (ARC Discovery Project administered by The University of Adelaide)

  University of Adelaide

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12939)
- 2009 - 2012

  Animal movement between populations deduced from family trees - a test case on dugongs in southern Queensland

  ARC Linkage Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9501)
- 2008 - 2009

  Strategies for managing invasive species in space: deciding whether to eradicate, contain or control

  University of Melbourne

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/10534)
- 2003 - 2013

  ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Modelling of Complex Systems (Univ Melbourne\_lead institution)

  University of Melbourne

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/6546)
- 2001 - 2003

  Analytical and Computational Methods for Studying Explosive Random Processes

  ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/18076)
- 1999

  Travel scheme for collaborative research by Dr P Pollett at Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand

  UQ Travel Grants Scheme

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/45910)
- 1997 - 1999

  Analytical and computational methods for assessing the performance of telecommunications networks

  ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/17723)
- 1995 - 1997

  Analytical and computational methods for modelling evanescent random processes

  ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/360)

View all 12 past funded projects
View less

## Supervision

### Availability

Emeritus Professor Philip Pollett is:
:   Not available for supervision

### Supervision history

#### Completed supervision

- 2019

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Approximations for finite spin systems and occupancy processes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4925754)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Ross McVinish](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2096)
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Computational methods for sums of random variables](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:45e624a)

  Principal Advisor
- 2015

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [A Model for the Spread of an SIS Epidemic in a Human Population](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:365669)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Ross McVinish](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2096)
- 2015

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Spatially structured metapopulation models within static and dynamic environments](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:353096)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Ross McVinish](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2096)
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Fault Detection in Complex and Distributed Systems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:344964)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Ross McVinish](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2096)
- 2011

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Analytical methods for stochastic discrete-time metapopulation models](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:240156)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Ross McVinish](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2096)
- 2010

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Experimental Design and Inference for Population Models](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:220381)

  Principal Advisor
- 2008

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [On the Analysis of Absorbing Markov Processes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:138877)

  Principal Advisor
- 2008

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [TOPICS IN QUASISTATIONARITY FOR MARKOV CHAINS](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:135044)

  Principal Advisor
- 2007

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### DENSITY DEPENDENT MARKOV POPULATION PROCESSES: MODELS AND METHODOLOGY

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)
- 2006

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### TRIGONOMETRIC SCORES RANK PROCEDURES WITH APPLICATIONS TO LONG-TAILED DISTRIBUTIONS

  Principal Advisor
- 2005

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### HITTING TIMES FOR MARKOV POPULATION PROCESSES SUBJECT TO CATASTROPHES

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)
- 2002

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### FIXED POINT METHODS FOR LOSS NETWORKS

  Principal Advisor
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Modelling heavy-tails with phase-type scale mixture distributions](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:372f3f8)

  Associate Advisor
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Animal movement between populations based on family trees - a test case on dugongs in southern Queensland](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:337596)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Janet Lanyon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/355)
- 2009

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Stochastic Modelling and Intervention of the Spread of HIV/AIDS](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:167530)

  Associate Advisor
- 2009

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Advances in Cross-Entropy Methods](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:177603)

  Associate Advisor
- 2007

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### VOLUME WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE OPTION

  Associate Advisor
- 2007

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### LONG TIME SCALE PATH INTEGRAL MOLECULAR DYNAMICS FROM EQUATIONS OF MOTION

  Associate Advisor
- 2006

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### OPTIMAL MONITORING AND HARVESTING OF A WILD POPULATION UNDER UNCERTAINTY

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)

View all 20 completed supervisions
View less

## Media

### Enquiries

Contact Emeritus Professor Philip Pollett directly for media enquiries about:

- Gambling - mathematics
- Lotto - mathematics
- Markov chains - mathematics
- Probability - mathematics
- Stochastic processes - mathematics

#### Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3513-1281)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/A-5054-2013)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6603948618)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user= )

## Personal links

- [Phil Pollett's Homepage](http://www.maths.uq.edu.au/~pkp/)

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