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 University researchers to challenging societal problems.
See for 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 2024
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 19-23, 2024
Coordinator: Dr. Swinda Falkena
Monday August 19 - 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 by Prof. dr. ir. Henk Dijkstra (part 1)
12:30-14:00 ~ Lunch Break ~
14:00-15:00 Lecture by Prof. dr. ir. Henk Dijkstra (part 2)
15:00-20:00 Canoe Excursion and Dinner
Tuesday August 20 - 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
Wednesday August 21 - 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
Thursday August 22 - 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 by Dr. Giulia Piccillo (part 1)
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Lecture by Dr. Giulia Piccillo (part 2)
14:30-17:00 Work on Project #3
Friday August 23 - Project Presentations
09:00-12:00 Project Presentations by Participants