Mission
The Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity leads research on the commonalities of sociality found in phenomena as diverse as gene networks, slime molds, ant colonies, corporations and cities. We apply innovative concepts and methods of complex adaptive systems science to generate new insights about the emergence, evolution and function of social systems and their interactions with the biophysical environment. Advancing this integrative science provides a deeper understanding of the connections between living systems and societies.
Goals
To further its mission, the CSDC endeavors to:
- Establish a transdisciplinary community of like minded scholars whose research exemplifies and amplifies the center’s core mission.
- Provide a space for research, learning and knowledge-sharing within this community of scholars.
- Develop intellectual and material infrastructure and resources to support the CSDC community.
- Enable CSDC community members to create training and educational programs that promote the center’s mission.
- Offer incentives for community members to engage in research and learning in support of the center’s mission and goal.
Learning and discovery
- The CSDC encourages university-sanctioned research and education that is consistent with and advances the core mission of the center.
- The CSDC enables center members to collaborate in research and educational programs, and to involve like-minded researchers from other institutions in these collaborations.
- The CSDC coordinates knowledge sharing through scientific colloquia, working groups, workshops and conferences.
- The particular research carried out and educational programs organized should emerge from the individual and collective intellectual initiatives of the CSDC faculty.
- CSDC members are expected to acknowledge their membership in the center in funding applications, and acknowledge center support in professional presentations and publications as appropriate.
Membership
CSDC membership is open to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students and other members of Arizona State University whose research and/or teaching is consistent with the center’s mission and goals, and who are willing to contribute to fulfilling those mission and goals. Individuals beyond ASU who actively collaborate with CSDC members and who offer unique potential to contribute to the center may also be considered for membership in the CSDC.