New England Complex Systems Institute: Education and Fellowship Opportunities

General Forum
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New England Complex Systems Institute: Education and Fellowship Opportunities

–> NECSI Winter School

Jan 5-9, 2009 / Complex Physical, Biological & Social Systems
Jan 12-16, 2009 / Complex Systems Modeling and Networks
Jan 19-23, 2009 / Methods for the Study of Complex Systems

TARGET AUDIENCE
These courses are intended for faculty, graduate students, post-doctoral
fellows and others who would like to gain an understanding of the
fundamentals of complex systems, and develop methodological tools for
conducting research in their respective fields.

Each week is the equivalent of a one semester course in a one week format.
They may be taken independently or consecutively. If desired, arrangements
for credit at a home institution should be made in advance.

WEEK ONE
CX201: Complex Physical, Biological and Social Systems

Dates: January 5-9, 2009
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA

This course offers an introduction to the essential concepts of complex
systems and related mathematical methods and simulation strategies with
application to physical, biological and social systems. The course will
particularly focus on the use of multiscale representations as a unifying
approach to complex systems concepts, methods and applications.

Concepts to be discussed include: emergence, complexity, networks,
self-organization, pattern formation, evolution, adaptation, fractals,
chaos, cooperation, competition, attractors, interdependence, scaling,
dynamic response, information, and function.

Methods to be discussed include: statistical methods, cellular automata,
agent-based modeling, pattern recognition, system representation and
informatics.

WEEK TWO
CX202: Complex Systems Modeling and Networks

Dates: January 12-16, 2009
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA

This course provides an introduction to building models of complex systems
(physical, biological, social and engineering), and network architectures
dynamic processes.

It will cover the basic construction and analysis of models including
identifying what is to be modeled, constructing a mathematical
representation, analysis tools and implementing and simulating the model in
a computer simulation. Particular attention will be paid to choosing the
right level of detail for the model, testing its robustness, and discussing
which questions a given model can or cannot answer.

The study of networks will introduce the use of network topologies and the
characterization of networks describing complex systems, including such
concepts as small worlds, degree distribution, diameter, clustering
coefficient, modules, motifs. Different types of network topologies and
network behaviors that model aspects of real complex systems will be
described including: modular, sparse, random, scale-free, influence,
transport, transformation, and structure.

WEEK THREE
CX203: Methods for the Study of Complex Systems

Dates: January 19-23, 2009
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA

This course provides an introduction to mathematical tools for analysis of
complex systems.

It will cover the basic construction and analysis of models including
iterative maps, stochastic processes, markov chains, cellular automata,
stochastic fields, Monte Carlo simulations, information theory, computation
theory, scaling, fractals and renormalization, linear stability analysis,
pattern formation, and mean field theory.

This course is designed to provide a foundation for mathematical analysis of
a variety of models of complex systems, as a foundation for advances that
are not possible with conventional calculus and statistics.

An advanced mathematical background corresponding to a junior or senior
college level background in mathematics or physics is recommended for this
week three course.

For more information and registration:
http://www.necsi.edu/events/winter2009.html

–> NECSI Faculty Fellows Program

We are pleased to announce the NECSI Faculty Fellows Program enabling
outstanding faculty to join in NECSI complex systems research and
application activities across disciplines and social concerns. NECSI Fellows
can also participate in learning or teaching in educational programs.

The goal of this program is to dramatically advance complex systems research
and the contributions of Fellows and dissemination of results through
publications.

NECSI Fellows remain in residence at their home institutions and receive
financial support for travel to NECSI to participate in special programs and
research. Collaborations continue year round. Fellows are appointed for a
three to five year term.

For more information and application see:
http://necsi.edu/education/eff.html

–> NECSI Postdoctoral and Student Fellows Program

Postdoctoral and graduate students (with the approval of supervisors at
their home institutions) may apply for the NECSI Fellows Program, an
opportunity to join in complex systems research activities and publications
working directly with NECSI researchers.

NECSI accepts applications from outstanding students across academic
disciplines who are interested in contributing to the advancement of complex
systems science and its application to professional contexts and social
concerns.

Applicants must:

  • Have demonstrated outstanding intellectual capabilities.
  • Be driven by a desire to contribute and a concern for the improvement of
    society.
  • Have a demonstrated ability to converse and write effectively.

NECSI Fellows remain in residence at their home institutions and receive
financial support for travel to NECSI to participate in special programs and
research. Collaborations continue year round. Fellows are appointed for a
three to five year term.

For more information:
http://necsi.edu/education/epsf.html