Computational modelling is a new method for the social sciences, combining many of the advantages of quantitative and qualitative approaches. It also has distinctive benefits of its own. SIMIAN: Simulation: a Node of ESRC National Centre for Research Methods wishes to encourage UK postgraduate students from any discipline who would like to apply mixed methods or use an innovative method for their research to attend the Social Simulation Summer School, which will be held in the University of Brescia, Italy from 13th to 17th September 2010.

The Summer School in Social Simulation aims to provide a comprehensive educational programme on the basics of this new field. Lectures range from epistemological to methodological issues, from examples of real world applications to policy implications, and are accompanied by modelling exercises, student papers and the discussion of research projects, and tutoring sessions. Lecturers at the Summer School include:

• Iqbal Adjali (Unilever, UK)
• Riccardo Boero (University of Torino, Italy)
• Giangiacomo Bravo (University of Torino, Italy)
• Claudio Cioffi-Revilla (George Mason University, Fairfax, USA)
• Rosaria Conte (CNR, Rome, Italy)
• Nigel Gilbert (University of Surrey, UK)
• Bridget Rosewell (Volterra Consulting, UK)
• Juliette Rouchier (GREQAM, Marseille, France)
• Klaus G. Troitzsch (University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany)

More details can be found here.

SIMIAN will offer 5 bursaries to postgraduate students who are registered full time at ESRC recognised institutions in the UK to attend the summer school.

To apply, please send your CV, a one page description of your dissertation/research project and a letter of support from your supervisor by email to the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 31st May 2010 at the latest.

Notes:

• The bursary covers the registration fee and accommodation only.
• Eligible students should be full time postgraduate students who currently are (and will be by 18th Sep 2010) registered at a ESRC recognised institution in the UK.
• Researchers or staff in UK High Education Institutions can seek funding from The ESRC Research Resources Board, applications open from the beginning of April onwards. Success rate is fairly good.
• Notification will be sent out by 30th June 2010.

If you have any queries, please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Further information is on the courses page.