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.

A university student lying on a staircase while scrolling through content on a tablet. © Crispin-Iven Mokry

Recent Research Project: BridgeEU

BridgeEU develops and scientifically evaluates recommendation algorithms that expose users to diverse perspectives instead of reinforcing information bubbles. By combining research with real world testing on an open social media platform, the project explores how digital technologies can foster healthier public discourse and reduce online polarization. Learn more

Five young adults are sitting around a table with coffee and cake, looking at smartphones © PantherMedia / fizkes

Recent Research Project: TRACE

TRACE investigates how recommendation algorithms shape the information people see online and what that means for public discourse. By using the new research provisions of the EU's Digital Services Act, the project will generate independent evidence to support transparent platform governance and informed digital policy across Europe.

The photo shows a doctor’s hand operating a modern computer. Nine medical icons are displayed on the screen. © PantherMedia / HASLOO

Recent Research Project: SynoSys.PC

SynoSys.PC investigates how wearable data can help us better understand Long COVID. Continuous data on heart rate, activity and sleep could provide new insights into disease progression and, in the long term, help identify risks earlier, monitor individual trajectories and improve care for people affected by Long COVID. Learn more

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.

In a modern seminar room, a lecturer is giving a scientific presentation to a group of five participants. He stands in front of a blackboard with a sketched mathematical equation, pointing at a formula. Next to him, a large screen displays a graphical representation of genomic and geographic data. The audience, including a woman in a red top and four men in casual clothing, is seated at a table with laptops, notebooks, and coffee cups. The room is bright and functionally designed, with a black wall providing contrast. © Robert Gommlich

Teaching Offer

SynoSys combines current research with innovative teaching methods to provide students with an interdisciplinary learning experience. Our research-oriented courses cover key topics such as Data Visualization, Complex Systems and Computational Social Science. Through interactive seminars, we enable students to develop skills for data-driven research.

An open, modern seminar room with wooden walls and large windows allowing natural light to enter. A lecturer in dark clothing stands in front of a screen displaying scientific diagrams and points to a graphic. The participants, a diverse group of men and women, are seated comfortably in colorful armchairs—yellow and red—listening attentively. The atmosphere is informal, with woven pendant lights and plenty of green plants, giving the room a vibrant and inviting feel. © Robert Gommlich

Synergy of Systems (SynoSys) develops transdisciplinary approaches and methods in the fields of network science, data science, computational social 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. Another focus is the interplay between human behaviour and digital platforms and its effects on public opinion formation and democratic processes. SynoSys investigates how information spreads and societal polarisation develops in digital environments, and how digital platforms can support constructive public discourse and democratic participation. Understanding these phenomena requires perspectives from different disciplines and integrative methods from complexity research.

SynoSys is both a think tank and 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.

Here is an insight into Prof. Brockmann's university-wide inaugural lecture entitled “Doing Science like a Fungus - Complexity Research in the 21st Century”:

Prof. Dirk Brockmann is founding Director of the Center Synergy of Systems (Synosys) and Chair of Biology of Complex Systems at TUD Dresden University of Technology. In his inaugural lecture, he discusses the science of complexity, how anti-disciplinary p © TU Dresden

Privacy Policy

Team

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

Founding Director SynoSys

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Mr Prof. Dr. Dirk Brockmann

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blonder Mann vor einer Bibliothek © Sven Ellger

Professor for Computational Social Science

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Mr Prof. Dr. Philipp Lorenz-Spreen

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Research Coordination

Thordis Kombrink
Portrait von Thordis Kombrink © Michael Kretzschmar

Research Coordination

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Ms Thordis Kombrink M.Sc.

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Administration 

Franziska Derkum
Frau mit braunen Haaren vor einer warmen Holzwand © Sven Ellger

Assistant to the Director

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Ms Franziska Derkum

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Kristina Mironowa
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Team Assistant

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Ms Kristina Mironowa

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Academic Staff 

Pia Bethge
Pia Bethge Foto © Pia Bethge

Research Associate

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Ms Pia Bethge Dipl.-Lebensm.-Chem.

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Angelique Burdinski

Research Associate

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Ms Angelique Burdinski PhD

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Paul Buttkus
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Research Associate

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Mr Paul Buttkus M.Sc.

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Esther Carlitz

Research Associate

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Ms Dr. Esther Carlitz

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Kamil Fulawka
Es ist ein Mann zu sehen

Research Associate

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Mr Dr. Kamil Fulawka

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Andrew Hunter

Data Curation Manager

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Mr Andrew Hunter M.Sc.

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Abdullahi Ibrahim

Research Associate

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Mr Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim

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Pascal Klamser
Pascal Klamser

Research Associate

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Mr Dr. Pascal Klamser

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Isin Kosemen
Auf dem Bild ist eine Frau zu sehen © Isin Kosemen

Data Visualization Scientist

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Ms Isin Kosemen M.Sc.

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Lina Lazik

Research Associate

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Ms Lina Lazik M.Sc.

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Ezequiel López-López

Research Associate

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Dr. Ezequiel López-López

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Sami Nenno
Es ist ein Mann zu sehen © Daniel Pothmann

Research Associate

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Mr Dr. Sami Nenno

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Adrian Pelcaru

Research Associate

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Mr Adrian Pelcaru M.Sc.

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Maksim Prusakov

Research Associate

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Mr Maksim Prusakov M. Sc.

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Samuel Ropert

Academic Staff

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Mr Samuel Ropert M.Sc.

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Annika Rose

Research Associate

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Ms Annika Rose M.Sc.

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Bao Truong

Research Associate

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Ms Dr. Bao Truong

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Adrian Zachariae

Research Associate

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Mr Adrian Zachariae M.Sc.

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Bulat Zagidullin

Research Associate

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Mr Dr. Bulat Zagidullin

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Matilda Bieder

Research Assistant

Name

Matilda Bieder B.Sc.

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Radu Diaconescu

Research Assistant

Name

Radu Diaconescu B.Sc.

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Thomas Haase

Research Assistant

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Thomas Haase B.Sc.

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Md Shariful Islam

Research Assistant

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Md Shariful Islam B.Sc.

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Felix Woldmann

Research Assistant

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Felix Woldmann

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Norman Zidlicky

Research Assistant

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Norman Zidlicky M.Sc.

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Visiting Researchers

Carlos Aguilar-Trigueros

Research Visiting Fellow

Name

Dr. Carlos Aguilar-Trigueros

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Funding logos of BMFTR and Free State of Saxony

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the Free State of Saxony as part of the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Government

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Jacqueline Papperitz
Last modified: Sep 08, 2026