Summer Schools
Each year the Centre for Complex Systems Studies offers a summer school for students worldwide. Through courses, computer simulations and mini-projects, the students get an inspirational introduction to complex systems. The main aim is to show students how complex systems science is applied by Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ researchers to challenging societal problems.
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Aim of the course
- i) to recognise complex systems related to societal, environmental, engineering and scientific problems and to learn their basic features;
- ii) to introduce a complex systems way of thinking and analysis;
- iii) to learn basic mathematical concepts and methods needed for complex system analysis, for example from dynamical systems theory and the theory of networks;
- iv) to get hands-on experience in studying complex systems.
Study load
The course consists tutorial lectures and guest lectures from the broadest possible range of topics/fields/problems where complex systems play a role, as well as hands-on computer practice in the afternoons.
Preliminary programme of summer school 2025
Physical location: Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, Utrecht Science Park, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Lecture Room: CCSS living room (Centre for Complex System Studies), Minnaert building 4.16, Leuvenlaan 4, 3584 CE Utrecht
Practicals Room: Minnaert building 4th floor, Leuvenlaan 4, 3584 CE Utrecht
Dates: August 18-22, 2025
Coordinator: Dr. ÂÂSwinda Falkena
Monday August 18 - 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 Canoe Excursion and Dinner
Tuesday August 19 - 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. Sacha Sinet
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #1
Wednesday August 20 - Theory of Networks
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-11:45 Lecture by dr. Reyk Börner
11:45-12:00 Introduction to Project #2
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Specialist Lecture by dr. Sarah Rezaei Khavas
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #2
Thursday August 21 - Intervention & Adaptation
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-11:45 Lecture by dr. Ganna Rozhnova
11:45-12:00 Introduction to Project #3
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Lecture by dr. Rak Kim
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #3
Friday August 22 - Project Presentations
09:00-12:00 Participants will present their results on the project work from previous days.