ICTP-SAIFR | School of Theoretical Ecology and the Physics of Life
The International Centre for Theoretical Physics together with the South American Institute for Fundamental Research are organizing the School of Theoretical Ecology and the Physics of Life (Upscaling Biodiversity in a Changing World) at São Paulo, Brazil.
The growing complexity of ecological data demands a shared language and robust methodologies to describe, understand, and predict ecological dynamics. In this context, the framework of complex systems provides an integrative foundation that is both aligned with the challenges of biological data and is deeply interdisciplinary. The school and workshop on Theoretical Ecology and the Physics of Life: Upscaling Biodiversity in a Changing World will focus on how the intersections of physics, applied mathematics, and ecology are and will be used to address complex ecological phenomena and biodiversity challenges around the world.
To foster scientific collaboration, the event incorporates a two-day workshop as a platform to connect early-career and senior scientists across the region. The workshop will feature invited and contributed talks, extended poster sessions, and a round table on the future of theoretical ecology in South America. Dedicated networking sessions will provide a space to brainstorm collaborative projects and outline joint research priorities for the coming years.
During the school, students will learn some fundamental computational and analytical tools needed to formulate, analyze, and integrate mathematical models with empirical data. The curriculum covers a wide range of modeling approaches, including individual-based models, differential equations, and stochastic dynamics embedded in complex interaction networks.
The school is primarily aimed at master’s and Ph.D. students in the life sciences, mathematics, and physics, though highly motivated students at the end of their undergraduate studies and postdoctoral researchers are also welcome to apply. We strive to create a diverse environment in which students with distinct backgrounds are welcome. In particular, we actively invite emerging and established scientists from across South America to join the workshop, and participants are highly encouraged to submit an abstract for a poster presentation or a contributed short talk to highlight their research and spark new collaborations.
School Application Deadline: October 20, 2026.
Source and more details: https://www.ictp-saifr.org/tepl2027/
