The interest in complex systems, i.e. systems consisting of large numbers of simple components with nonlinear interactions, has been increasing rapidly in recent years because of advances in the theory of nonlinear dynamics, the growth of computer simulation power, and the realization of the ubiquity of such systems in natural and social settings.
The area of complex systems modeling by its nature spans many disciplines, with solid analytical roots in mathematics and (statistical) physics, and both applications and fundamental modeling ideas stemming from, e.g., ecology, population genetics, and economics. The field also has a strong computer science component, having largely been made possible by the huge increase in numerical simulation capabilities, and conversely contributing novel approaches to the solution of difficult computational problems.
The fragmentation of present-day science makes it difficult to bring these subjects into the productive interaction that this area both requires and rewards. The COSA project has since 1996 been working towards creating a world-class interdisciplinary research consortium in the field of complex systems modeling. Each of the participating groups has done leading work in its own area, and has its own basic funding for this; the COSA project accomodates genuinely multidisciplinary research activities by means of a select group of jointly advised graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, medium-to-long-term foreign visitors, summer schools and other intensive courses on complex systems modeling methodology, and a regular workshop series.
After three years of operation, this ``COSA'' partnership is well on its way to becoming an established consortium of world-class performance. More than 30 researchers participate actively in its work (with about 20 simultaneously present at any given workshop), and more than 150 papers in the area of complex systems modeling have been produced by the team during its initial three-year period.