Become a Complexity Scholar at the Santa Fe Institute

Take on our Complex World. Inspire Others.

Complexity Scholars trained at the Santa Fe Institute are working to understand the theoretical foundations and patterns underlying the systems most critical to our future -- economies, ecosystems, conflict, disease, human social institutions, and the global condition.

To fully understand these complex adaptive systems, with their deep interdependencies and emergent behaviors at many scales, a new kind of science is needed. One that relies on the synthesis of many scientific perspectives. One that unravels today’s most complex problems with revolutionary theories derived both from careful observation of real-world phenomena and proven scientific principles.

Complexity Scholarship began at the Santa Fe Institute. Since 1984 the most creative minds in science have gathered here to expand the boundaries of science in an inclusive but scientifically rigorous research community. More than 150 leading scientists from around the world are affiliated with SFI today.

For 28 years, SFI has challenged and equipped the next generation’s brightest scholars to take on complex problems through schools, fellowships, and youth educational curricula serving students and educators of all ages and backgrounds. SFI Complexity Scholarship programs include instruction by, and interaction with, SFI scientists.

Are you a Complexity Scholar?

What are past SFI Complexity Scholars doing now?

SFI Complexity Scholar Programs:

"The core problem is that our education and training systems were built for another era. We can get where we must go only by changing the system itself."
— National Center on Education and the Economy 2007, Tough Choices for Tough Times