ComplexityExplorer

The grid is in crisis. A century-old system for generating, distributing, and regulating electricity is struggling to cope with electrification, decarbonization, rising demand from data centers, and rapid technological change. At a recent SFI working group, researchers and practitioners explored how a complex adaptive systems approach could help build a more resilient, adaptive grid. “Piecemeal solutions aren’t enough,” says SFI External Professor Seth Blumsack. “How is the grid system organized as a whole? How can we address whole-systems problems?” santafe.edu/news-center/ne…

New book from the @SFIPress: The Economy as an Evolving Complex System IV. Every chapter is available for download as a free PDF.

Thanks @sfiscience for an accessible coverage of our paper! @hyejin_youn

Final week to apply for SFI’s 2026 summer programs. Applications close soon for three of our immersive, residential experiences in complexity science: – Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS) – For graduate students, postdocs, and professionals interested in transdisciplinary research. – Graduate Workshop in Computational Social Science (GWCSS) – For early-career researchers exploring computational approaches to the social sciences. – CSSS Journalism Fellowship – For experienced journalists reporting on science and complexity. Application deadline: February 4, 2026 Apply for CSSS and GWCSS here: santafe.edu/engage/learn/p… Apply for the Journalism Fellowship here: santafe.edu/journalism-fel…

Are you a scholar of the social sciences looking to include computational approaches in your research? SFI’s Graduate Workshop in Computational Social Science (GWCSS) is designed for advanced Ph.D. students pursuing thesis research in computational social science. Participants work closely with peers and faculty to advance their own research and take part in collaborative modeling and complexity-based problem solving. Deadline: February 4, 2026 Apply here: santafe.edu/gwcss

SFI President David Krakauer joins Jim Rutt, SFI Trustee Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow, on The Jim Rutt show for a wide-ranging conversation on intelligence, evolution, scientific risk-taking, how we come to understand complex phenomena, and much more. jimruttshow.com/david-krakauer…

A write-up of the talk I gave at NeurIPS in December. ⬇️

Wealth inequality has persisted for over 10,000 years–but why? Economist Sam Bowles joined the Stone Center to explore its origins, from the ox and plow to the rise of power concentrations and the lasting effects of slavery. Watch his full lecture here → bit.ly/4pqxM0V

Now accepting applications for SFI’s 2026 Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS). CSSS is a three-week experience that brings together graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professionals to explore foundational theory and methods, engage in collaborative projects, and connect with a global research community. Deadline: February 4, 2026 Apply here: santafe.edu/csss

Applications open for SFI’s 2026 Graduate Workshop in Computational Social Science. This two-week workshop offers Ph.D. students and early-career scholars an opportunity to explore tools from complex systems and computation, collaborate on a hackathon-style challenge, and advance their independent research with support from SFI faculty and peers. Deadline: February 4, 2026 Apply here: santafe.edu/gwcss

In a new Undark op-ed, SFI Resident Professors Brandon Ogbunu (@big_data_kane) and Cris Moore argue that refusing to use AI won’t protect society — and that responsible resistance must begin with understanding how AI works. undark.org/2026/01/09/opi…

Can we build a definitive science of stories? This week, a transdisciplinary group at SFI is asking: What if we treated stories as data? As networks? As science? “Stories are storehouses of knowledge, but they are also instruments of power,” says Peter Dodds, SFI External Professor. “Fictional characters matter because real character matters. By using data to develop a science of stories, we can best identify and account for the power of stories in the real world.” santafe.edu/news-center/ne…

Build intuition for the behavior of nonlinear systems using animated visuals and paradigmatic examples from across the physical and biological sciences🌡️🌦️🐰🦊🦋🌉🌲 A Visual Approach to Nonlinear Dynamics from SFI Professor Sid Redner #gsc.tab=0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">complexityexplorer.org/courses/198-a-…

Applications are now open to join Scott and SFI External Professor John Miller for an intensive two-week study of computational social science modeling and complexity in Santa Fe in summer 2026. For more information and to apply: santafe.edu/gwcss

A new piece from SFI External Professor Scott Page in collaboration with Brookings explores the physics of collective intelligence in the age of AI.

Applications open for SFI’s 2026 CSSS Journalism Fellowship. Each year, two accomplished journalists join the Complex Systems Summer School for an immersive, residential experience in complexity science. Fellows attend lectures, take part in group projects, and put routine reporting on hold while participating as students.  They also spend a final, independent week at SFI’s campus in Santa Fe. The fellowship includes a generous stipend, housing, and travel reimbursement. Fellowship dates: June 9 – July 8, 2026 Apply before Feb. 4, 2026  santafe.edu/news-center/jo…

Applications are open for SFI’s 2026 summer education programs.  Three residential programs in Santa Fe, NM, offering research and training opportunities in complexity science: – Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) / Ten-week research experience for undergraduates. Apply by Jan 14, 2026 – Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS) / Three-week intensive program for grad students, postdocs, and professionals. Apply by Feb 4, 2026 – Graduate Workshop in Computational Social Science (GWCSS) / Two-week workshop for Social Science Ph.D. students and early-career researchers. Apply by Feb 4, 2026 Learn more: santafe.edu/engage/learn/p…

Are you an early-career researcher or research professional with a broad interest in complexity science? Applications are open for SFI’s 2026 Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS), a three-week, in-residence program offering an intensive introduction to complex behavior in mathematical, physical, living, and social systems. Deadline: February 4, 2026 Apply here: santafe.edu/csss

Congratulations to SFI Professor Melanie Mitchell (@MelMitchell1), a winner of the 2025 National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications (@SciCommAwards). Mitchell is recognized for her writing and podcasting on topics related to AI and how we think about intelligence.  santafe.edu/news-center/ne…

Catch up on our most recent Community Lecture: “Transmission Versus Truth: What Will It Take to Make an AI as Smart as a 4-Year-Old?” with Alison Gopnik.  This was the last of six community lectures for 2025, and all are available to watch on SFI’s YouTube channel. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=PNE5pf…