Complex Open Systems Research Network

Welcome to COSNet - the Complex Open Systems Research Network

'characterising and analysing complex systems for explanation, prediction and control'

Vision: Complexity is the common frontier in the physical, biological and social sciences. This Network links specialists in all three sciences through five generic conceptual and mathematical theme activities. It promotes research into how subsystems self-organise into new emergent structures when assembled into an open, non-equilibrium system. Outcomes will include new technologies and software tools and deeper understanding of fundamental questions in science. An essential function of the network is introducing researchers and end users to new tools and broadening the horizons of graduate students. The Australian Research Council (ARC) provided c. AUD 300,000 per annum for five years to the Network (beginning mid 2004) in support of this vision. For a fuller summary of the proposal, click on Vision in the menu to the left.

NOTE: As the ARC funds are now expended the network is currently in caretaker mode, but it is hoped that this website will continue as a resource for the complex systems community. If you have comments on whether the network should continue, and in what form, please contact the Convenor.

Joining: Currently COSNet has over 600 participants from all parts of Australia, and across the globe. If you are already a participant please check your profile.

Who we are and what we do:

• This searchable web site plays a key role by providing information exchange and contacts between participants through the various sections on the menu to the left, in particular by providing a personal profile page for each member of the Network in the Participants section. You can help by keeping your profile page up-to-date. There is also a Wiki section you can help build in a hands-on way.
• Keep an eye on the News page for recent items of interest. An overview of COSNet activities can be gained from the Annual Reports and the 2006 COSNet Forum page.

The COSNet Convenor is responsible for overall academic guidance and supervision of the Network.

The COSNet Node Coordinators are local contacts in the various Nodes of the Network (see also the COSNet Wiki Nodes page). They also provide the main membership of the COSNet Management Committee.

The End-User Representative, Director of a consulting firm, is also a member of the Management Committee, being responsible for promoting linkages to users of complex systems ideas and methods beyond the academic community.

The Chair of the COSNet Management Committee provides independent oversight of the Network.

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Funding was provided by the Australian Research Council and the Contributing Organisations: The Australian National University, The University of Adelaide and The University of Queensland, in partnership with the CSIRO Complex Systems Science Emerging Science Area. Monash University also contributed as host of the e-journal Complexity International and VLAB.

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