I am external faculty at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna.
I am affiliated member of the Centre for Science and Philosophy at Bristol University.
Winter Term 2022/23
Discussion meetings: day and time tbc (1.084, visitors welcome)
In my research I develop information theory to study the dynamics of complex systems. Applications range from physics and biology to social systems. This research is part of a long-term project of building a quantitative framework for the dynamics of complex systems, firmly rooted in mathematics, physics, and philosophy of science. Current topics are:
  • philosophical and mathematical foundations of complexity,
  • information theoretic measures of stability,
  • information theoretic tools for detecting critical transitions,
  • complexity science framework for supporting action in climate change adaptation and mitigation,
  • dynamics of democracy.
Karoline Wiesner
Professor of Complexity Science
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Potsdam, Germany
News
31 May '23 – Antrittsvorlesung 17:30 details
May '23 – I received the 2023 Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Faculty of Science 
May '23 – Podcast 'Simplifying Complexity' – 2nd episode on our book 'What is a complex system' live now
April '23 – Course 'Complexity Science' starts 17 April details
Mar '23 – Our paper 'The hidden dimension in democracy' is now available as V-Dem working paper [pdf]
Dec '22 – Podcast 'Simplifying Complexity' – episode on our book 'What is a complex system' live now
Oct '22 – Amsterdam Winter Workshop on Complex Systems 2023 – Applications now open
​Oct '22 – Open positions: PhD and Postdoc (now filled)
Sep '22 – Our paper 'Clarifying How Degree Entropies and Degree-Degree Correlations Relate to Network Robustness' on Cover of Entropy
​Sep '22 – Book presentation & Workshop at Amsterdam Institute for Advanced studies 
Mai '22 – Vortrag am Einstein Forum Potsdam 'Von Atomen, Ameisen und Aktien. Die Wissenschaft komplexer Systeme' (video)
​Jan '22 – Our paper 'Stability of democracies: a complex systems perspective' 2nd most read article in European Journal of Physics Apr '21 – I am taking up the Chair in Complexity Science at Potsdam University (33 Questions interview by UP Magazine)
​Dec '20 – Our book reviewed in Nature 
Nov '20 – Our report for Green Climate Fund is now available online. 

​Archive ... in preparation

Author of "What is a complex system",
Yale University Press (2020).

In this book, we develop a taxonomy of complex systems. We discuss examples ranging from physics to biology to social science. The book is for students, academics, and general readers.