Spreading is an omnipresent phenomenon which plays either negative or positive role, de-
pending on what is spreading, an invasive pathogen or a new technology. There are many
facets of spreading that have been studied in different fields, ranging from ecology and epi-
demiology to chemistry and quantum physics.
Diffusion and random walks are two main paradigms that are usually used to design a model for a given spreading phenomenon. However, most of the natural spreadings are not just territorial expansions of point-like objects driven by a couple of equations. Spreading agents are able, for example, to modify their strategies, communicate with each other, fight enemies, adapt to the environment, and produce offspring. In other words, spreading agents have their own internal dynamics (or, sometime, intelligence) which is coupled to the territorial expansion and substantially affects the appearing space-time pattern.
How this complexity can be captured with mathematical models? The idea of our workshop is to bring together experts dealing with complex spreading phenomena – on different space-time scales – in order to exchange ideas and figure out new approaches to modeling these phenomena. It will involve researchers working on diffusion and random walk processes, experts in nonlinear dynamics, biophysicists, and sociologists.
The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.
