Complex systems are characterized by their emergent behavior as a non-trivial result of the evolution of a considerable number of microscopic units that interact with each other. Expressed in other words: the study of complex systems seeks to understand the behavior and properties of the whole system that can not be derived directly from the study of the properties of its parts in isolation.
This is the essence of the research of complex systems, where the nature of the units is irrelevant. Associated strategies to address the study of a specific phenomenon, then, may be widely shared by a large number of phenomena characteristic of various disciplines. Even we can say that the complexity of the science itself is the result of the fusion of different disciplines and approaches on the same challenge. Therefore, the study of complex systems integrates problems and merges methodologies that can have very different origins.
The creation of the UBICS will join efforts of several groups of related research that will:
The research at the Institute is structured along four major pillars. Together, they combine the exploration of new concepts in the field of Complex Systems and their application in different scientific and social disciplines.
Foundations | Science of Matter | Life Sciences | Social Sciences |
Statistical Physics | Soft Matter | Molecular Biophysics | Psychology and Behavior |
Networks | Complex Flows and Complex Fluids | Cell and Multicellular Biology | Economy and Finance |
Dynamical systems | Active Matter | Systems Biology | Linguistics |
Data Science | Smart Materials | Neuroscience | History |
grants 12/09/2023
Predoc contracts, fully funded for 4 years, offer from Universitat de Barcelona. Some projects leaded by UBICS researchers
albert papers 24/07/2023
Researchers at Institute of Complex Systems from the University of Barcelona and Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have managed to explain the strange behaviour of microgels. Their measurements using neutron beams have pushed this measuring technique to its limits. The results open up opportunities for new applications in materials and pharmaceutical research.