Synergy of Systems (SynoSys)

We do science with a compass rather than a map
SynoSys Visualisierung © SynoSys

Research Focus

At SynoSys we research complex systems in an anti-disciplinary, synergetic approach. The spirit and perspectives that Complexity Science offers pervades the Center, its people, and their activities. We focus on phenomena that are multi-scale, non-linear and network driven. Pandemics, the emergence of cooperation, social dynamics, fungal growth patterns are but a few of the systems we study.

Photo of a young woman by a river starting her smartwatch for running training © PantherMedia / Leung Cho Pan

Recent Research Project: FEDORA

Post-COVID conditions (PCC) are recognized as a disease in their own right, but those affected often suffer from stigmatization and misdiagnosis. The FEDORA project combines physiological data from wearables with subjective assessments to better understand PCC. The aim is to analyze long-term patterns, make more precise diagnoses and develop individual treatment approaches.

Picture of two people. One person is sitting on a doctor's couch and talking to a doctor. © PantherMedia / VitalikRadko

Recent Research Project: WATCH

The WATCH project optimizes the care of post-COVID patients, especially in rural areas, in order to improve their physical and (neuro-)psychological health and participation. It researches the effect of multimodal interventions, evaluates telemedical approaches and analyzes health economic effects and optimization potential.

The photo shows the hands of a person. She is holding a smartphone on which news can be seen. © PantherMedia / Rafael Classen

Recently Published Paper on Misinformation

A new study in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin shows how age, analytical thinking and political opinions influence our assessment of news. The aim is to better understand the mechanisms behind the spread of fake news and to develop targeted strategies for dealing with online disinformation.

Synergy of Systems (SynoSys) develops transdisciplinary approaches and methods in the fields of network science, data science, digital science and citizen science with the aim of conducting integrative research into complex phenomena at the interfaces between biomedicine, social sciences and life sciences. The focus is on dynamic phenomena such as pandemics, chronic diseases, mental health, planetary health, and the emergence of cooperative systems in biology and society, which cannot be understood solely through individual, traditional sub-disciplines, but only through lateral perspectives and integrative methods from complexity research. SynoSys is not only a think tank – it’s also a “link tank” that teaches early career researchers about complexity research and science beyond disciplinary boundaries. As a department of the Center for Interdisciplinary Digital Sciences (CIDS), SynoSys is a node in the network of transdisciplinary research.

For more information, visit our website.

Team

Foto von Prof. Dirk Brockmann vor einer Tafel mit Formeln. © Monika Keiler, dtv Verlag

Founding Director SynoSys

Name

Mr Prof. Dr. Dirk Brockmann

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Research Coordination

Thordis Kombrink
Portrait von Thordis Kombrink © Michael Kretzschmar

Research Coordination

Name

Ms Thordis Kombrink M.Sc.

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Administration 

Kristina Mironowa
Kristina Mironova © Michael Kretzschmar

Team Assistant

Name

Ms Kristina Mironowa

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Franziska Schäfer
Franziska Schäfer © Tobias Ritz

Assistant to the Director

Name

Ms Franziska Schäfer

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Academic Staff 

Angelique Burdinski

Research Associate

Name

Ms Angelique Burdinski PhD

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Paul Buttkus
Paul Buttkus © Paul Buttkus

Research Associate

Name

Mr Paul Buttkus M.Sc.

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Pascal Klamser
Pascal Klamser

Research Associate

Name

Mr Dr. Pascal Klamser

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Isin Kosemen
Auf dem Bild ist eine Frau zu sehen © C.M. Kosemen

Data Visualization Scientist

Name

Ms Isin Kosemen M.Sc.

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Adrian Pelcaru

Research Associate

Name

Mr Adrian Pelcaru M.Sc.

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Samuel Ropert

Academic Staff

Name

Mr Samuel Ropert M.Sc.

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Annika Rose

Research Associate

Name

Ms Annika Rose M.Sc.

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Barbara Vinatzer

academic staff

Name

Ms Barbara Vinatzer M.Sc.

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Adrian Zachariae

Research Associate

Name

Mr Adrian Zachariae PhD

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Junio Research Group Computational Social Science

Dr. Philipp Lorenz-Spreen © MPI for Human Development

Junior Research Group Leader

Name

Mr Dr. Philipp Lorenz-Spreen

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work Tel.

Sami Nenno
Es ist ein Mann zu sehen © Daniel Pothmann

Research Associate

Name

Mr Dr. Sami Nenno

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Kamil Fulawka
Es ist ein Mann zu sehen

Research Associate

Name

Mr Dr. Kamil Fulawka

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About this page

Jacqueline Papperitz
Last modified: Jan 24, 2025