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 2025
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 18-22, 2025
Coordinator: Dr. Swinda 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.