SFI Complex Systems Summer Schools 2005

[Paul Brault]

ANNOUNCING THE SANTA FE INSTITUTE'S 2005 COMPLEX SYSTEMS SUMMER SCHOOLS

Santa Fe School:  June 6 - July 1, 2005.  Held on the campus of St. 
John's College, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.  Administered by the Santa 
Fe Institute (SFI).  Director:  Melanie Mitchell, Portland State 
University and SFI.

China School: July 11 to August 5, 2005 in Beijing, China. Sponsored 
by SFI in cooperation with The Institute of Theoretical Physics, The 
Academy of Mathematics and Systems Sciences, and the Graduate School, 
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Co-directors: John Holland, 
University of Michigan and SFI; Chen Xiao-song, Institute for 
Theoretical Physics, CAS.

General Description

The Complex Systems Summer Schools offer 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 schools are aimed at 
participants who want to obtain the background and hands-on 
experience that will help prepare them to do interdisciplinary 
research in areas related to complex systems.

Applications are welcome from all countries. Participants are 
expected to attend either the Santa Fe or the Beijing school for the 
full four weeks.  All activities will be conducted in English at both 
schools. Enrollment is limited.

Each 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.

Costs

Santa Fe: No tuition is charged.  100% of housing and meal costs are 
supported for graduate students and 50% for postdoctoral fellows (the 
remaining fee is $750, due at the beginning of the school). Most 
students will provide their own travel funding. Some travel 
scholarships may be available based on demonstrated need, with 
preference given to international students.

China:  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 at both schools will be in single or 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-variable calculus and linear algebra) is required. 
Proficiency in English is also required.

Students should indicate school location preference when applying. 
Placements may be influenced by recent increased restrictions in U.S. 
foreign visitor policies.

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: two to three 
pages).

3.  Two letters of recommendation from scholars who know your work.

4.  If you are applying to the Beijing school and English is not your 
first language, you must also submit evidence of English competency 
in order to complete your application. You can do this in one of two 
ways:

* Request that your TOEFL scores be sent to SFI. SFI's TOEFL code is 
8595. Make sure that you request your scores to be sent well in 
advance to ensure that your application will be complete by the 
January 28, 2005 deadline.

* Request a third letter of recommendation from an English professor 
certifying your English language competency. This letter can be sent 
via e-mail to summerschool at santafe.edu.

How to Apply

Online: Our online application form allows you to submit all of your 
materials electronically (including a feature which allows your 
referees to upload letters of recommendation directly to your file). 
We strongly encourage you to apply online at 
<http://www.santafe.edu/csss05.html> to expedite your 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 January 
28, 2005.

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

If you have further questions about the Complex Systems Summer 
Schools, please e-mail summerschool at santafe.edu.