Centre for Complex Systems Studies
Newsletter
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We want to start this newsletter by expressing our sincere thanks to the Young Complexity Researchers Utrecht (YCRU) who have been very active this year, organizing so many (well attended) events at the CCSS. Special thanks Myrthe Willemsen and Kyriacos Nicolaou for your YCRU leadership. We look forward to more exciting events ahead.
This academic year, thematic lunch talks at the CCSS are organized around two topics: (1) control of complex systems and (2) resilience of complex systems. So far, we’ve had inspiring presentations by Arjen van der Schaft (RUG), and Kyriakos Vamvoudakis (Georgia Institute of Technology) on control, and Yannick Hill (VU) and Alex Kleidon (MPI for Biogeochemistry, Jena) on resilience. These events are setting the stage for a year filled with thought-provoking discussions and collaboration.
We’re also thrilled about the success of the 2024 Summer School on Introduction to Complex Systems, coordinated by Swinda Falkena. The positive feedback highlights the growing interest in complexity science and the quality of the program.
Looking ahead, we are extremely grateful to Dr. ir. Peter Koeze for funding three PhD positions for 2025–2029, with the call for proposals now open. Additionally, the Swaantje Mondt Travel Fund has announced a new call for PhD candidates. Our sincere thanks to Martine and Jaap Mondt for making these opportunities possible.
With much to look forward to, we are excited for more inspiring developments at the CCSS in 2025 and hope to see you soon.
Warm regards,
The Daily Board of the CCSS
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| Complex Systems Fund proposal call (3 PhD positions) |
Dr. ir. Peter Koeze has generously renewed the Complex Systems Fund for 2025-2028, supporting three new PhD positions at CCSS. We are deeply grateful for this this contribution. CCSS invites Associate Members to submit interdisciplinary research proposals by January 15, 2025. Collaborations must include members from different UU faculties, with at least one from the Faculty of Science. Selected PhD students will work at CCSS, with projects commencing on October 1, 2025.
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| Swaantje Mondt travel fund call 2025-2026 |
| Are you a PhD candidate at Utrecht University or outside the Netherlands who is currently working on complexity research? Would you like to visit a foreign research institute or the CCSS in the Netherlands to further develop your research skills? The Swaantje Mondt Fund will provide you a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and develop new research skills on complexity. Online submission for next year's call is open from 14 April - 9 May 2024. |
Why do large ecosystems stay stable? |
| Researchers from CCSS and the Mathematical Institute at Utrecht University have challenged the notion that larger ecosystems are inherently more fragile. Their study reveals that ecosystem stability hinges on the structure of species interactions, not merely on size, explaining the persistence of complex ecosystems like rainforests. This is similar to the Jenga game, where stability depends on how blocks are arranged. |
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Smart algorithms boosts climate prediction speed and accuracy |
Smart algorithms transform climate science. Machine learning improves data quality, simulates complex processes like clouds, and extends El Niño forecasts from 6 to 18 months. CCSS director Henk Dijkstra highlights these advances in Nature Reviews Physics, showing how faster, more accurate climate predictions support better decision-making.
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Explaining spontaneous explosions of delays in supply chains |
| An international research team, including CCSS member Deb Panja, have developed a model elucidating how schedule-based systems, like supply chains and railways, can experience spontaneous large-scale delays. They recommend that system operators prioritize resilience alongside efficiency to achieve better long-term outcomes. The team published their research in Nature Physics. |
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