Theoretical Ecology and the Physics of Life: Upscaling Biodiversity in a Changing World

The growing complexity of ecological data demands a shared language and robust methodologies to describe, understand, and predict ecological dynamics. In this context, the framework of complex systems provides an integrative foundation that is both aligned with the challenges of biological data and is deeply interdisciplinary. The school and workshop on Theoretical Ecology and the Physics of Life: Upscaling Biodiversity in a Changing World will focus on how the intersections of physics, applied mathematics, and ecology are and will be used to address complex ecological phenomena and biodiversity challenges around the world.

To foster scientific collaboration, the event incorporates a two-day workshop as a platform to connect early-career and senior scientists across the region. The workshop will feature invited and contributed talks, extended poster sessions, and a round table on the future of theoretical ecology in South America. Dedicated networking sessions will provide a space to brainstorm collaborative projects and outline joint research priorities for the coming years.

During the school, students will learn some fundamental computational and analytical tools needed to formulate, analyze, and integrate mathematical models with empirical data. The curriculum covers a wide range of modeling approaches, including individual-based models, differential equations, and stochastic dynamics embedded in complex interaction networks.

The school is primarily aimed at master’s and Ph.D. students in the life sciences, mathematics, and physics, though highly motivated students at the end of their undergraduate studies and postdoctoral researchers are also welcome to apply. We strive to create a diverse environment in which students with distinct backgrounds are welcome. In particular, we actively invite emerging and established scientists from across South America to join the workshop, and participants are highly encouraged to submit an abstract for a poster presentation or a contributed short talk to highlight their research and spark new collaborations.

• Rafael Menezes (ICTP-SAIFR / IFT-Unesp)
• Paula Lemos-Costa (USP)
• Marcus Aguiar (Unicamp)
• Silvina Ponce Dawson (UBA)

Announcement:

Click HERE to apply for the School

Deadline: October 20, 2026

Click HERE to apply for the Workshop

Deadline: November 20, 2026

Lecturers

Announcement:

Click HERE to apply for the School

Deadline: October 20, 2026

Click HERE to apply for the Workshop

Deadline: November 20, 2026

TBA

Attention! Some participants in ICTP-SAIFR activities have received email from fake travel agencies asking for credit card information. All communication with participants will be made by ICTP-SAIFR staff using an e-mail “@ictp-saifr.org”. We will not send any mailings about accommodation that require a credit card number or any sort of deposit. Also, if you are staying at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista, please confirm with the Uber/Taxi driver that the hotel is located at Rua Pamplona 83 in Bela Vista (and not in Jardim Etelvina).

BOARDING PASS: All participants, whose travel has been provided or will be reimbursed by ICTP-SAIFR, should bring the boarding pass  upon registration. The return boarding pass (PDF, if online check-in, scan or picture, if physical) should be sent to secretary@ictp-saifr.org by e-mail.

Visa information: Nationals from several countries in Latin America and Europe are exempt from tourist visa. Nationals from Australia, Canada and USA are required to apply for a tourist visa.

Accommodation: Participants, whose accommodation will be provided by the institute, will stay at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista. Hotel recommendations are available here.

Power outlets: The standard power outlet in Brazil is type N (two round pins + grounding pin). Some European devices are compatible with the Brazilian power outlets. US devices will require an adapter.

Poster presentation: Participants who are presenting a poster MUST BRING A PRINTED BANNER . The banner size should be at most 1 m (width) x 1,5 m (length). We do not accept A4 or A3 paper.

Badge: You will receive an identification badge upon registration, which must be used during the entire event. Without the badge, it may not be possible to enter the venue.

Security issues: Although São Paulo is a relatively safe city, be careful when using cellphones on the street, avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware when crossing the street that cars may not stop for pedestrians. Also, please do not leave valuable items like laptops unattended even for short breaks. At the IFT-UNESP, there are storage lockers available and keys can be obtained with our secretaries.