On Simulation in Science
Beside theory and experimentation, computer simulation has become a dominant scientific method in contemporary research. Computational fields have been established in many disciplines and new scientific infrastructures for computational science are well established. Most prominent within these developments stands climate modelling, which has introduced advanced simulations of entire earth systems, allowing comparisons of different scenarios and complex model evaluation strategies in order to tackle questions of uncertainty and to transform simulation into a reliable scientific instrument for in-silico experimentation of preventative actions, as well as projections of future developments should no actions be taken.
However, climate simulation is one of many fields using computational power. Since the 1990s those working in the philosophy of science have been engaged in a fruitful discussion on modelling and simulation. A large number of case studies on simulation projects have been carried out, providing detailed insights into the various practices of modelling and simulation. However, what is missing is a historical view on the emergence of computer simulation as well as a comprehensive understanding of how simulations contribute to the progress of knowledge in science, how simulation is framed politically, in the academic field, and how prognoses based on simulations impact upon society, policy, and the economy. Therefore, beside project presentations by the participants, the summer school will provide workshops and lectures in order to address and discuss the following topics:
Workshop “The History of Simulation and Computing” by media historian Claus Pias (Lüneburg) and computer historian David A. Grier (Washington).
Workshop “Progress of Knowledge by Simulation” by philosophers of science Axel Gelfert (Singapore) and Gabriele Gramelsberger (Lüneburg).
Workshop “The Prospects of Simulation” by philosophers Petra Gehring (Darmstadt) and Andreas Kaminski (Stuttgart).
Workshop “Science Policy of Simulation” by computer scientists Martin Warnke (Lüneburg) and Michael Resch (Stuttgart).
Lecture “Simulating Climate” by climate scientist Johann Feichter (Hamburg).
Lecture “Images of Simulation” by art historian Inge Hinterwaldner (Cambridge).
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
This summer school invites doctoral students from the fields of Philosophy of Science, History of Science, Science and Technology Studies, as well as Software Studies, and of course the Natural Sciences. We welcome case based studies on scientific, economic and social simulations, but also studies in the history of computational methods in science.
WHERE AND WHEN WILL THIS TAKE PLACE?
The “On Simulation in Science” summer school will take place at the Institute for Advanced Study on Media Cultures of Computer Simulation (MECS), Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany (30 minutes away from Hamburg), between September 26th and 30th, 2016.
WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM PARTICIPANTS WHEN ACCEPTED?
Participants will present their projects (30 min. presentation). They will participate in the offered workshops, discussions and keynote lectures. They will prepare questions for the workshops based on an in advance circulated reader. Two of the participants will be offered a 6 months junior fellowship at the MECS.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your CV along with a 500-word abstract of your dissertation, and a 500-word explanation on why you would like to attend the summer school. The deadline for applications is February 29th, 2016. Please email applications (compile into one PDF) to mecssummerschool@leuphana.de.
All applicants will be informed about the selection of participants by March 15th, 2016.
The working language of the summer school will be English; therefore, a sufficient understanding of English is expected. There is no participation fee. The organizers will cover accommodation costs. We have a limited amount of needs-based travel funding available. Please indicate in your application letter if you wish to apply for travel funding.