Simulation-Based Science

To deepen our understanding of the complex systems that we study, we need to formulate quantitative and qualitative models and explore those models via computer simulation. At the IAS, we bring together researchers who work on such simulation based approaches.

Simulation based science is all about formulating computational models of phenomena that we observe and performing computer simulations in order to deepen our understanding of the systems that underpin these phenomena. The aim is to predict their future behaviour or to find adaptations that would change their behaviour in some desired way. Simulation based science is sometimes called “the third pillar of science” and complements theory and experiments. Together they underpin the scientific method and strongly interact. Theory provides the necessary framework for computational models, experiments provide the data against which the computational models need to be validated, and numerical simulations may lead to new insights and theory or new hypotheses that are tested experimentally.

Simulation-Based Science Community (SbS) at UvA

We have identified a substantial number of researchers that use various computational modelling and simulation methods, spread across all UvA departments. The Simulation Based Science Community is an initiative to bring researchers across the various departments of the university together to foster expertise on simulation based methods. We organise workshops, panels and lectures on a weekly basis and are thereby home to a lively community of engaged researchers.

In order for community members to find each other and facilitate interaction and collaboration, all active community members can be found on the SbS community website.

SbS Community Members Here, all active members and the event calendar of the SbS community can be found