Like any research method, simulation is not a panacea. While having recognised advantages over existing methods, it also faces methodological challenges to its development and social challenges to its adoption.

SIMIAN is based around a core research theme of innovation and social change, chosen to be of relevance across the whole range of social sciences. Within this general theme, three specific research themes have been selected:

• Repeated Interaction (Richard Holden)
• Novelty (Christopher Watts)
• Norms (Corinna Elsenbroich)