First Sycamore Meeting: Science and Dissemination

Javier Martínez Tubío

The event featured the participation of international researcher Sara Imari Walker, along with experts Jacobo Aguirre and Izaskun Martínez Sierra. Walker, a scientist at the Santa Fe Institute, is a leading figure in the study of the origin and evolution of life. Her work focuses on complex systems, analyzing phenomena that cannot be understood solely by examining their individual parts, but rather through the interactions between them. During her presentation, she explained these concepts in an accessible way for the audience.

The chair's director, Javier Buldú, emphasizes that this meeting "is a gateway to the world of the chair" and seeks to raise awareness of this scientific field. "Complex systems are present in numerous aspects of daily life, from the spread of epidemics or virality on social media to brain function or a football match. We are surrounded by them, even if we are not always aware of it," notes the professor in the area of ​​electromagnetism.

The day also included a round table discussion on the application of these systems in different areas.

Sara Imari Walker's participation has been especially relevant, since, according to Buldú, "she does not usually visit Europe and she is a figure of great international prestige."

The URJC has a solid track record in this field thanks to its research group in complex systems, as well as various initiatives and specialized laboratories.

With this conference, the chair wants to convey a clear message: the theory of complex systems is applicable to virtually any aspect of the world around us and is key to understanding it better.