Bariloche: December 1-14, 2008. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Sponsored by SFI. Directors: Miguel A. Fuentes, SFI / CONICET-CAB IB and Pablo A. Marquet, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, CASEB / IEB

The Santa Fe Institute announces the first Latin American Complex Systems Summer School, CSSS-Bariloche: “Foundations and Frontiers of Complex Systems.”

As the first CSSS to be held in Latin America, this intensive two-week introduction to complex behavior captures the spirit of SFI’s contribution to the founding of complex systems. The school will emphasize the importance of foundational ideas and cutting edge research in complex systems science, including mathematical, physical, living, and social systems. The school is for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the sciences and social sciences who want background and hands-on experience to help prepare them to do interdisciplinary research in areas related to complex systems.

The school consists of an intensive series of lectures, laboratories, and discussion sessions focusing on foundational ideas, tools, and current topics in complex systems research. These include nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation, scaling theory, information theory and computation theory, adaptation and evolution, network structure and dynamics, adaptive computation techniques, computer modeling tools, and specific applications of these core topics to various disciplines. In addition, participants will formulate and carry out team projects related to topics covered in the school.

The presentations will be organized in three main categories: Foundational, Frontier, and Topical lectures. Foundational lectures will primarily emphasize the conceptual foundations of a topic that comprise the core knowledge and insights at the basis of its development and, secondarily, their relationship to issues currently at the frontier of complex systems science. Frontier lectures, on the other hand, should focus on the questions, problems, and domains presently being explored at the topic’s scientific frontier. Finally, the Topical lectures will emphasize a particular application or case study.

Applications are welcome from all countries. Participants are expected to attend one school for the entire session. All activities will be conducted in English at all schools. No tuition is charged, and some support for housing and travel expenses is available. Enrollment is limited.

Further details about topics and faculty at each school will be posted as they become available.

Costs

Bariloche: No tuition is charged. Accommodation and meals are provided and support for travel may also be available. The school is funded by the Santa Fe Institute International Program.

Housing

Housing will be double occupancy dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. Computing resources will be available, including internet access. Housing and travel support for accompanying families is not available.

Eligibility

Applications are solicited from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in any discipline. Some background in science and mathematics (including multi-variate calculus and linear algebra) is required. Proficiency in English is also required.

Application Requirements

1. Current resume or CV. Include a clear description of your current educational or professional status, and a list of publications, if any.

2. A statement of your current research interests and comments about why you want to attend the school (suggested length: one to two pages).

3. Two letters of recommendation from scholars who know your work. The letters should be sent independent of your application. When you complete the online application, please be prepared to provide e-mail addresses of the two individuals who will recommend you. SFI will contact them directly with instructions for submitting letters.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage you to apply online in order to expedite your application. All application materials must be electronically submitted or received at SFI no later than July 1, 2008.

Online Application: Once you have collected all of your application materials (including e-mail addresses of your recommenders), click on the following link to begin the online application process:
BEGIN ONLINE APPLICATION

Postal Mail/Courier: Applications sent via postal mail will also be accepted. Include a cover letter providing your e-mail address and fax number, and specifying whether you wish to be considered for a travel scholarship. (This will not influence the review of your application.) Do not bind your application materials in any manner. Send application materials to:

Summer Schools
Santa Fe Institute
1399 Hyde Park Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501 USA

If applying via post, letters of recommendation may be sent separately to the address above, or included in your application package in sealed envelopes.

Deadline

All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received at SFI or electronically submitted no later than July 1, 2008.

Women, minorities, and students from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

   view Bariloche 2008 poster (pdf)