Summer School - Introduction to Complex Systems
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 University researchers to challenging societal problems.
You can find more information on Summer School Utrecht.
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 2026
Physical location: Utrecht University, 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 17-21, 2026
Coordinator: Dr. Reyk Börner
Monday August 17 - Introduction to Complex Systems
09:00-09:30 Welcome | Opening remarks by Prof. dr. ir. Henk Dijkstra
09:30-11:45 Complexity thinking | Lecture by Ammy Vogtlander
11:45-12:30 What is complexity? | Interactive session
12:30-14:00 ~ Lunch Break ~
14:00-15:00 Complex data & AI | Lecture by dr. Wilson dos Santos Silva
15:00-20:00 Kayaking excursion & dinner
Tuesday August 18 - Emergence, patterns and feedbacks
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-11:45 Emergence & feedbacks | Lecture by dr. Robbin Bastiaansen
11:45-12:00 Introduction to Project #1
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Resilience & tipping in ecosystems | Lecture by Prof. dr. ir. Max Rietkerk
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #1
Wednesday August 19 - Network dynamics
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-11:45 Network theory | Lecture by dr. Reyk Börner
11:45-12:00 Introduction to Project #2
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Epidemics on networks | Lecture by Prof. dr. Mirjam Kretzschmar
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #2
Thursday August 20 - Adaptation & uncertainty
09:15-09:30 Welcome
09:30-11:45 Evolutionary game theory | Lecture by dr. Artem Kaznatcheev
11:45-12:00 Introduction to Project #3
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Uncertainty in economics | Lecture by dr. Giulia Piccillo
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #3
Friday August 21 - Project Presentations
09:00-12:00 Participants will present their results on the project work from previous days.
12:00-13:00 ~ Lunch ~
- Start date and time
- End date and time
- Location
- Physical Meeting >> CCSS Living Room, Room 4.16, Minneartgebouw