Introduction to Complex Systems: Modeling & Analysis

The session titled “Introduction to Complex Systems: Modeling & Analysis” was conducted on 12 February 2026 at the Smart Room, Central Block, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus. The session was delivered by Prof. Hiroki Sayama, SUNY Distinguished Professor at Binghamton University, State University of New York (USA), and Director of the Binghamton Center for Complex Systems (CoCo).

The session began with a formal welcome address introducing Prof. Sayama’s academic background and research contributions in the field of complex systems science, network science, and systems modeling. The lecture aimed to expose students to systems thinking as a complementary skill to data science and analytics, particularly in the context of emerging AI-dominated environments.

Prof. Sayama introduced the fundamental concept of complex systems by explaining how simple interactions among individual components can lead to large-scale emergent behavior. Through relatable examples such as neural networks in the human brain, social systems, financial markets, and planetary motion, he demonstrated how interconnected systems exhibit patterns that cannot be understood through isolated analysis alone.

A key highlight of the session was the distinction drawn between traditional data-driven pattern recognition and mechanistic modeling. He emphasized that while modern AI and data science rely heavily on assumptions such as independent and identically distributed (IID) data, real-world systems are inherently interdependent. Students were encouraged to adopt a systems-level perspective to better analyze interconnected environments.

The session also included a real-world case study of how a high-resolution agent-based simulation model was developed at Binghamton University during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. Sayama explained how mechanistic modeling was used to simulate campus interactions and inform administrative decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. This example provided students with a practical understanding of how systems modeling can support policy decisions, risk management, and scenario testing in the absence of sufficient historical data.

Additionally, Prof. Sayama briefed students on academic collaborations between CHRIST University and Binghamton University, including dual-degree pathways, research opportunities, internships, and graduate programs in Systems Science. This provided students with exposure to international academic mobility and research prospects.

The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which students raised queries regarding research opportunities, career prospects in systems science, internships, scholarships, and higher education pathways in the United States. The discussion was highly engaging and reflective of student interest in interdisciplinary and global academic opportunities.

Overall, the event successfully provided students with exposure to advanced interdisciplinary thinking, systems modeling methodologies, and international academic collaboration opportunities, aligning strongly with the campus vision of fostering analytical and research-oriented learning.