New Summer Institute to Offer Training in Systems Science

Training the next generation of health and social science scholars in systems science methods is the goal of a new institute that will debut this summer at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

The first annual Systems Science for Social Impact Summer Training Institute will be held at the Brown School July 29 – August 2.

The institute will be led by three of the nation’s leaders in systems science: Ross Hammond, Betty Bofinger Brown Associate Professor; Peter Hovmand, professor of practice and the founding director of the Social System Design Lab; and Douglas Luke, professor and director of the Center for Public Health Systems Science.

Participants at the five-day institute will get a hands-on introduction to systems science methods that enhance the social impact of health and social science research. Attendees will choose from three major systems science methods: agent-based modeling, social network analysis, or system dynamics. Participants will become familiar with major concepts, learn analytic best practices, and apply the methods to real-world data. They also will have ample opportunities to interact with each other, instructors, and outside experts across tracks.

 The application process is open, and candidates will be accepted on a rolling basis through July 1, 2019.

For more information or to apply, visit the institute’s website. 

“The Brown School now has a critical mass of expertise on systems science methods,” Luke said. “There is a lack of availability of training in these areas in social work, public health, and other applied social sciences, creating an unmet need.”