Overview

A complex system is any system featuring a large number of interacting components, whose aggregate activity is characterized by complex nonlinear feedback mechanisms. Examples of such systems abound in Nature, Society, and Technology. It is now being increasingly recognized that the functioning and behavior of complex systems can only be understood through mathematical and computational models. Students are invited to apply to the Complex Systems Track of the PhD in Informatics. This program, with its unique interdisciplinary values, offers a unique opportunity to explore the connections among theoretical, technological, and social implications of complex systems in a diverse and multidisciplinary research-oriented curriculum.

Why study complex systems? Compared to the focus of more traditional disciplines, the notion of complex system is much broader and embraces the study of regularities among different natural and artificial systems that range from the structure of language to living matter, technological networks and societies, just to mention few examples. Beyond the peculiarities of individual systems, the complexity approach works with the presumption that we can identify general and even universal mechanisms underlying the behavior and evolution of these systems.

The field of complex system is therefore inherently interdisciplinary and has both theoretical and applied subfields. The set of tools that a student entering this field may expect to acquire and use are as diverse as the many aspects of complexity, and they range from applied mathematics to computer simulations and analysis. Excellence in complex systems research also demands a serious understanding of the specific systems under scrutiny. This may mean a focus on traditional fields of enquiry from biology to psychology and even philosophy. Do visit the CX web site to find out more details about our research projects!