Nonlinear Dynamics and Emergence Across Scales: Active, Chaotic, and Complex Systems

Nonlinear processes underlie the emergence of most nontrivial physical phenomena across a wide range of topics, such as active matter, biological physics, turbulence and ecology. These systems, characteristically out of equilibrium, show a plethora of interesting and exotic behaviors and typically defy attempts to describe them by simple mean field or linearization techniques, which often miss crucial aspects of their dynamics. Popular examples include turbulent atmospheric flows, networks of spiking neurons, and biological
swarms, which all exhibit large, non-Gaussian fluctuations that enhance the influence of nonlinear processes. Often, similar or analogous concepts from nonlinear dynamics prove fruitful when applied to different problems or fields. Understanding and controlling these systems constitutes a fundamental challenge to be met by integrating different tools of nonlinear dynamics, including nonperturbative methods, dimensional reduction, advanced numerical techniques and machine learning approaches. 

This WE-Heraeus Seminar will bring together leading experts in nonlinear dynamics working on a broad range of different subjects in order to identify and discuss common challenges in the development and application of nonlinear methods to the study of emergent behaviors. Mixing leading figures in the nonlinear dynamics and complex systems communities with promising young scientists, we aim to forge new collaborations as much as strengthen and rekindle existing ones. This seminar will also be the occasion to celebrate the 65th birthday of Hugues Chaté, a leading figure in this community, whose seminal results, wide-ranging collaborations, and connecting role have contributed to shaping the current field landscape.

The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.