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.

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, 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.

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

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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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
Franziska Schäfer © Tobias Ritz

Assistant to the Director

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Ms Franziska Derkum

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Kristina Mironowa
Kristina Mironova © Michael Kretzschmar

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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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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

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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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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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Adrian Zachariae

Research Associate

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Mr Adrian Zachariae M.Sc.

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Bulat Zagidullin

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Mr Dr. Bulat Zagidullin

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Junior Research Group Computational Social Science

Dr. Philipp Lorenz-Spreen © MPI for Human Development

Junior Research Group Leader

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Mr Dr. Philipp Lorenz-Spreen

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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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Sami Nenno
Es ist ein Mann zu sehen © Daniel Pothmann

Research Associate

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Mr Dr. Sami Nenno

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Bao Truong

Research Associate

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Ms Dr. Bao Truong

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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: Jun 05, 2026