The chair “Transdisciplinarity and Complex Systems,” offered by Iméra in partnership with the Excellence Chair “t-co.re@AMU” (Transdisciplinarity and Complexity Research at AMU) aims to support excellent interdisciplinary research focused on complex systems. The main goal is to rethink science and how “complexity science” do influence our understanding of the world and complex systems. It will do so by promoting projects that combine theoretical research with practical application, through a rewarding interdisciplinary perspective.
This call for applications is now closed.
General Information
For preparing your application and learning about the conditions of the residency, please ensure you read the PDF document accessible below as well as the information on the research program(s) to which the residency you are interested in is attached.
Any interested scholar may apply for only one position among those offered above. Applicants who are former Iméra residents may reapply at least 5 years after their initial research stay.
Conditions of the residency and application for 2025-26
Recommendations for submitting an application under the “Interdisciplinary Explorations” program
1. The research project must be relevant for a research stay at an institute for advanced study based in Marseille.
2. The research project must cove with one or more of the thematic areas of the Interdisciplinary Explorations program.
Chair’s objectives
Iméra, the Institute for Advanced Study at Aix-Marseille University, in cooperation with the “t-co.re@AMU” Excellence Chair and its network, offers a 10-month chair to researchers from all disciplines. Particular interest is given to philosophers, physicists, mathematicians, biologists, neuroscientists, sociologists, environmentalists, and economists working on the structures and dynamics of complexity. The aim is to promote an outstanding research focused on interdisciplinary and critical approaches to complex systems. The specific objective is to develop research in the following areas of complexity science:
- The philosophical and scientific history of the concept of complexity;
- Epistemology and the theory of complex systems;
- Complexity and information theory;
- Modeling practices;
- Applications of complex modeling;
- The theory and practice of inter-/transdisciplinarity in the field of complexity.
The goal is to critically and explicitly foster interdisciplinary research and reflection on complex systems and how “complexity science” is reshaping our understanding of science and our approach to the world.
Priority will be given to research projects in one of these thematic areas, with the intention of developing ambitious future projects or producing high-quality publications in these fields.
Special consideration will be given to:
- Researchers who have critically examined the concept of complexity in one or more of the mentioned fields;
- Researchers who have produced innovative and original results in their field and wish to pursue more general theoretical reflection on the epistemological foundations of their scientific practice in relation to complexity;
- Researchers interested in how interdisciplinary dialogue can enrich their own discipline, influencing the formulation of new problems and scientific inquiries;
- Researchers who intend to transfer knowledge from their own field of complexity research to practical applications, education, and the interaction between science and society.
- Application deadline: December 10, at 1:00 PM (French time).
- Residency duration: Ten months (preferred).
- Residency period: September 1, 2025 – July 3, 2026 (Ten months – full academic year).
- Selection result announcement : begining of February 2025.
Applications are open to researchers in any field related to the “Transdisciplinarity and Research on Complex Systems” Chair and its partners. Potential collaboration with Iméra, “t-co.re@AMU”, and one of its partners is encouraged.
Applicants must meet all of the following four requirements :
1. To show scientific excellence in a field related to complexity;
2. Not have resided in France for more than twelve months in the three years preceding the application;
3. Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree;
4. Be employed by a foreign university or research institution during the residency (permanent or temporary position).
The Chair holder will receive a monthly allowance of €2.500 and will be provided with free accommodation at the Iméra residence and reimbursement for travel expenses.
Evaluation will consider:
- The researcher’s scientific excellence according to the highest international standards;
- The scientific merit of the project, particularly its interdisciplinary aspect, which is crucial for integration into Iméra’s collective research dynamic;
- The ability to engage in Iméra’s Interdisciplinary Explorations activities;
- The ability to collaborate with at least one of the Chair’s partners.
The online application should include:
- A completed application form (mandatory fields);
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications;
- A detailed, structured, and feasible research project (maximum five pages), to be carried out during the residency, followed by a selective bibliography (mandatory for scientists) or a list of artistic and scientific references (mandatory for artists);
- Optional : A letter of support from a researcher or faculty member at Aix-Marseille University and/or a letter of recommendation from a recognized researcher or artist in the field related to the project.
The “Transdisciplinarity and Research on Complex Systems” Chair is affiliated with the “t-co.re@AMU” Chair of Excellence, Transdisciplinarity and Complexity Research, and its partners, including:
– Centre Gilles Gaston Granger (UMR 7304) at Aix-Marseille University: https://www.cggg.fr/
– CPT – Centre de Physique Théorique: https://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/
– CENTURI – Turing Centre for Living Systems: https://centuri-livingsystems.org/
– INT – Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone: https://www.int.univ-amu.fr/
– InCIAM, Institut Créativité et Innovation d’Aix-Marseille: https://www.univ-amu.fr/fr/public/institut-creativite-et-innovations-inciam-0
– RECOVER: https://recover.paca.hub.inrae.fr/
– ITEM – Institut Méditerranéen pour la Transition Environnementale: https://www.univ-amu.fr/fr/public/institut-mediterraneen-pour-la-transition-environnementale-item
- Fausto Fraisopi, holder of the AMU Excellence Chair “t-co.re”, Transdisciplinarity and Complexity Research : fausto.fraisopi@philosophie.uni-freiburg.de and faustofraisopi@gmail.com
- Gabriella Crocco, Director of the Interdisciplinary Explorations program : gabriella.crocco@univ-amu.fr