In this course, we combine examples across physics, the life sciences, socio-economic sciences and humanities with an introduction to basic mathematical tools to learn a complex systems way of thinking.
Our world has an abundance of so-called complex systems. These are typically large collections of connected elements that influence each other. In recent decades, the science of studying complex systems has started to evolve and mature. It has become clear that a new, more integrated way of thinking is essential for understanding many of the complex challenges that humanity faces. The aim is to derive rules on how the dynamical behaviour of a complex system depends on the combined properties of individual elements, the nature of the interactions between elements, as well as the topology of interactions between elements, in order to understand and predict these systems and control them to have desirable properties. As an example, insight into which features of complex systems generate resilience against perturbations versus which properties enhance the sensitivity of the system and allow it to transition to a different equilibrium state is important for a broad range of questions on, for instance, climate change, social-political change, disruptive innovations, infectious disease emergence and ecosystem collapse.
The course will take place from Monday 19 August 2024 to Friday 23 August 2024 at the Utrecht Science Park. It consists of tutorial lectures and guest lectures from the broadest possible range of topics/fields/problems in which complex systems play a role, as well as hands-on computer practice working on projects in the afternoons. The preliminary program can be found below.
The main aim is to show students how complex systems science is applied by Utrecht University researchers to challenging societal problems.
Participants will be divided into groups to do all the projects. On the last day each group will present the results of one project. Only the ones who present the final projects can get the certificates and credits.
This course is offered by the Centre for Complex Systems Studies (CCCS). Please check out the video to get an impression of the centre!
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Day 1 (Monday 19 August)
Introduction to complex systems
09:00-09:30 Welcome, introduction to summer school and programme
09:30-11:30 Introduction lecture by Ammy Vogtlander
11:30-12:30 Lecture (part 1) by prof. dr. ir. Henk Dijkstra
12:30-14:00 ~ Lunch Break ~
14:00-15:00 Lecture (part 2) by prof. dr. ir. Henk Dijkstra
15:00-20:00 Social activity and dinner
Day 2 (Tuesday 20 August)
Theme: Feedback processes & emergence
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-11:45 Lecture by prof. dr. ir. Max Rietkerk
11:45-12:00 Introduction to Project #1
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Specialist Lecture by dr. Judith Verstegen
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #1
Day 3 (Wednesday 21 August)
Theme: Theory of networks
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-11:45 Lecture by dr. Deb Panja
11:45-12:00 Introduction to Project #2
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Specialist Lecture by dr. Rense Corten
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #2
Day 4 (Thursday 22 August)
Theme: Intervention & adaptation
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-10:30 Specialist lecture by dr. Ganna Rozhnova
10:30-10:45 Introduction to Project #3
11:00-12:00 Lecture (part 1) by Giulia Piccillo
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Lecture (part 2) by Giulia Piccillo
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #3
Day 5 (Friday 23 August)
Student presentations
09:00-12:00 Participants will present their results on the project work from previous days.
Associate Members of the Centre for Complex Systems Studies (from all faculties of Utrecht University), scientists from their groups and possibly external guest lecturers.
No specific knowledge is required. Basic mathematical and programming skills will help, but are not required.
The aim of the course is:
The fee covers the course costs, as well as all lunches, one social activity including dinner, and drinks plus treats during breaks.
The housing costs do not include a Utrecht Summer School sleeping bag. This is a separate product on the invoice. If you wish to bring your own bedding, please deselect or remove the sleeping bag from your order once you apply for this course.
Please also upload an additional file/application form in which you indicate why you choose this summer school and what you expect to gain from this course (max 150 words in Word or pdf).
For this course you are required to upload the following documents when applying: