Beijing: June 30-July 25, 2008. Sponsored by SFI in cooperation with The Institute of Theoretical Physics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Co-directors: Dr. David P. Feldman, College of the Atlantic and SFI, and Dr. Chen Xiao-song, Institute for Theoretical Physics, CAS.

The Complex Systems Summer School offers an intensive four-week introduction to complex behavior in mathematical, physical, living, and social systems for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the sciences and social sciences. The school is for participants 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.

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

Beijing: No tuition is charged. 100% of housing and meal costs are supported for all participants. Most students will provide their own travel funding. Some travel scholarships may be available based on demonstrated need.

Housing

Housing will be in double occupancy dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. Computing resources will be available, including ethernet ports for student laptops. 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.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2008 BEIJING PROGRAM.

view 2008 poster (pdf)