This colloquium will be a pedagogical introduction to the field of complexity science.

Complex phenomena are found throughout nature, from ice crystals to the flow of ocean currents. These emergent patterns and behaviours can often be understood and described using fractals and chaos theory. In recent years, research has led to a new paradigm – that the dynamics of simple physical systems can give rise to complex behaviour. This is also seen in the biological world, where living systems – from ecosystems containing many species down to single cells and proteins – exhibit complex behaviour which can be successfully modelled using computer simulations. Complexity is also seen in human society, manifesting itself in activities on social media such as Twitter. Even financial markets show evidence of emergent complex dynamics.

A special colloquium organised by the Centre for Complexity Science so please note the unusual location.