Conferences

Living systems are characterized by the emergence of recurrent dynamical patterns at all scales of magnitude. Self-organized behaviors are observed both in large communities of microscopic components - like neural oscillations and gene network activity - as well as on larger levels - as predator-prey equilibria to name a few. Such regularities are deemed to be universal in the sense they are due to common mechanisms, independent of the details of the system. This belief justifies investigation through quantitative models able to grasp key features while disregarding inessential complications. The attempt of modeling such complex systems leads naturally to consider large families of microscopic identical units. Complexity and self-organization then arise on a macroscopic scale from the dynamics of these minimal components that evolve coupled by interaction terms. Within this scenario, probability theory and statistical mechanics come into play very soon. Aim of the workshop is to bring together scientists with different background - biology, physics and mathematics - interested in stochastic models in ecology and evolutionary biology, to discuss issues and exchange ideas. A partial list of topics includes: stochastic population dynamics, branching processes, interacting particle systems and statistical mechanics models in ecology, robustness and adaptability of ecosystems, resilience and criticality of ecological systems, models and prediction of biodiversity, molecular evolution, and neuroscience.

The style of the workshop will be rather informal. The idea is to have the opportunity to freely share ideas and discuss. Talks will be organised in different thematic sessions, and we will have both colloquia and more technical presentations.

http://www.pd.infn.it/~maritan/veniceworkshop/veniceworkshop.html