In this interdisciplinary course, we will learn a complex systems way of thinking through examples across physics, life sciences, economics, social sciences and engineering. Guided by group projects and an introduction to the mathematical basics, you'll gain a deeper insight into complexity beyond your usual field of work or study.
The world around us is complex. Complexity science seeks to understand how large collections of connected elements link together, forming more than just the sum of their parts. The science of complex systems is a modern, evolving field that draws from various disciplines such as physics, biology, medicine, social sciences, economics, computer science and engineering.
As it turns out, very different systems such as Earth's climate, the stock market or neurons in the brain tend to show similar behavior when viewed through a complex systems lens. An integrated way of thinking is thus essential for a deeper understanding of the complex challenges humanity is facing. Learning about complex systems is a great way to broaden your perspective beyond your typical field of study, regardless of your scientific background.
When describing a complex system, the first step is to abstract the specific system into similar elements and the interactions between them. The question is then: how does the behavior of the system as a whole depend on the nature and structure of the interactions, as well as the properties of the individual elements? The fact that the structure of interactions itself is important has given rise to the relatively young theory of complex networks.
Sometimes the interactions lead to emergent behavior that cannot be explained by the collection of individual elements alone. How can we predict these dynamics and control complex systems in the real world? For example, complexity science studies which properties of a complex system are most vulnerable to change or what can be done to make the system more resilient. This becomes particularly important when studying critical transitions between different states, as relevant for climate tipping points, ecosystem shifts, pandemics, sociopolitical change or disruptive innovations.
In this course, hosted by the Centre for Complex Systems Studies, students come together from various backgrounds for a broad introduction to complex systems. The program consists of interactive lectures and specialist talks, small group projects and guided programming exercises. Lectures will be held by associate members of the Centre, Utrecht University researchers and possibly external guest speakers who actively work on a diverse range of fields and problems in complex systems (see preliminary program below). Check out this video to learn more about the Centre for Complex Systems Studies (CCSS)!
The course will take place from Monday 17 August to Friday 21 August 2026 at the Utrecht Science Park. Participants will be divided into groups to work on the projects. On the last day, each group will present the results of one project. Presenting a final project is required for earning the certificate and credits.
Before the start of the course, we will offer an optional online tutorial to refresh some of the mathematical and computational basics that will be useful to follow the course.
Day 1 (Monday, start at 9:00)
Introduction to complex systems
Day 2 (Tuesday)
Theme: Emergence, patterns and feedbacks
Day 3 (Wednesday)
Theme: Networks and network dynamics
Day 4 (Thursday)
Theme: Adaptation, learning and uncertainty
Day 5 (Friday)
Student presentations
The program closes at 12:00 noon on Friday, followed by lunch.
Associate Members of the Centre for Complex Systems Studies (from all faculties of Utrecht University), scientists from Utrecht University and possibly external guest lecturers.
No specific knowledge is required, but basic skills in mathematics and programming will be helpful.
The course involves some basic mathematics and programming, but these skills are not required as a prerequisite. During the course, teaching assistants will be available to help with the exercises and answer questions depending on your level. We will also offer an optional refresher tutorial on the relevant mathematical and computational basics that can be accessed online before the start of the course.
In previous years, participants came from various backgrounds including business administration, software engineering, physics, philosophy and neuroscience.
By the end of the course, the goal is that participants will
The fee covers the course costs, as well as all lunches, one social activity including dinner, and drinks plus treats during breaks.
We are offering a limited number of reduced fee awards to motivated applicants in need of financial support. The award reduces the course fee by 50% to €200. To apply for the financial support award, please indicate this on your application form along with a statement of need.
Now closed: The deadline for financial support applications was on 17 June 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible but no later than 22 June 2026.
You can still apply for the course at the regular fee until 17 July 2026.
Due to high demand on student housing we are currently fully booked.
If you wanted to book housing with us you can contact info@utrechtsummerschool.nl and be added to a waiting list.
However, we cannot guarantee a room will be available and therefore we strongly advise to arrange accommodation yourself.
Some suggestions can be found here: https://utrechtsummerschool.nl/student-life/hotel-accommodation
When applying, you will be asked to upload your CV (max. 2 pages) and an additional application form. Please complete the online application form here, save your answers as a PDF and upload this along with your CV.
The information you provide will be used to select participants given the limited number of spaces. Most important is that you show your motivation for joining this course! Applications obviously written by generative AI may be disregarded.
For this course you are required to upload the following documents when applying: