FET-Proactive


FP7: FET Proactive Intiative: Dynamics of Multi-Level Complex Systems (DyM-CS)

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WHAT IS "Dynamics of Multi-Level Complex Systems (DyM-CS)"

Work programme 2011-2012 - Objective ICT-2011.9.7

Many artificial and natural systems are characterized by a high level of differentiation in structure and organization; they exist in areas as diverse as the Internet, energy management, climate, financial markets, infrastructures (including ICT), biology, transport, epidemics, meteorology, urban planning, social simulation and policy impact assessment. In order to describe and control these systems there is a need to observe and reconstruct their dynamics and make sense of large amounts of heterogeneous data gathered on various scales. Most of these areas would benefit from an international effort in collecting and sharing data, models and from looking for a general, common theoretical approach. The science of complex systems (CSS) offers a framework for this theoretical approach.

Objective

The objective of this Initiative is to make steps towards a general theory on complex systems through contributions in the area of dynamics of multi-level systems.

Target outcomes

  • New mathematical and computational formalisms on dynamics of multi-level systems developed and validated on real-world applications involving large and heterogeneous data sets. This could involve, for example, addressing emergence of and interactions between scales, combining the concepts of ‘programmability’ and ‘self-organisation’, or addressing 'out of equilibrium’ considerations. Priority application areas should present clearly defined challenges to ICT and/or have a relevant user/social/economic component. Through these areas, CSS should be able to provide solutions for current ICT systems or lay the foundations for new ICT paradigms. For the validation, appropriate organizational structures should be chosen, e.g. large socio-technological systems, complex biological organisms or large organizations. The latter can be validation partners, testing the theory on themselves.
  • World-class international research cooperation, global alliances in this research area, and links with similar actions outside Europe, in particular with participants from USA, Japan and China.

Expected impact

  • Target outcome a):
    • Progress towards a general theory on complex systems
    • New ICT-based methods and principles for the management of large scale systems, including ICT systems themselves.
    • Better understanding of structural patterns (e.g. resilience, sensitivity to failure) of complex systems in socio-economic and technological areas.
  • Target outcome b):
    • New EU and global collaborations between researchers in the disciplines involved in CSS.

Funding schemes

  • a) IP, STREP
  • b) CSA

Indicative budget

  • IP/STREP: EUR 22 million
  • CSA: EUR 1 million

Extract ICT-FET in the FP7 Work Programme 2011-2012 ( 240KB), including the specific "FET eligibility, evaluation, selection and award criteria.

Timetable ICT FP7 Call 8

  • Call open: 26 July 2011
  • Call deadline: 17 January 2012, 17h Brussels local time
  • Tentative: Evaluation: March 2012
  • Tentative: Invitation to negotiations: April 2012
  • Tentative: Start of projects : summer 2012

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