The workshop focuses on Network Science and Complex Systems, exploring fundamental and applied research on networks, graph-based methodologies, and broader complex-system phenomena critical to understanding digital life, social behavior, and AI-driven data analysis.

Network science provides a powerful lens for understanding the interconnected systems that underpin much of the research within the DIREC, DDSA, and Pioneer Centre for AI communities. From social interactions and information diffusion online to the structure of complex datasets and the behavior of AI algorithms, graph-based approaches and complex systems thinking are increasingly vital.

This workshop aims to bring together researchers in Denmark working on or interested in network science, computational social science, and related complex systems methodologies within the broader data science and AI landscape. We will showcase state-of-the-art methods, highlight real-world applications (e.g., in social dynamics, mobility, digital technology impact, science of science), and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue.

The D3A conference, uniting Denmark’s digitalization, data science, and AI communities, is the ideal venue for this workshop. It provides a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between researchers across institutions (like DTU, ITU, KU/SODAS, AU) and career stages working in this domain. By featuring insights from leading figures and emerging researchers, we aim to stimulate discussion on current challenges, emergent research directions, and potential synergies relevant to the D3A community’s goals of networking, community building, and knowledge sharing.

The workshop is designed to be interactive, moving beyond a mini-conference format to encourage discussion and potential collaboration identification.

Program

The workshop will run for 195 minutes, structured as two 90-minute sessions with a 15-minute break. The format includes keynote talks for broader perspective, shorter talks for focused insights, and dedicated time for interaction.

Session 1 (90 minutes)

• 9.00-9.05: Welcome & Introduction (Workshop goals, theme overview) – Organizers
• 9.05 – 9.20: Short Talk 1 + Q&A – Jonas L. Juul
• 9.20 – 9.35: Short Talks – Akhil Arora
• 9.35 – 10.00: Keynote Talk 1 + Q&A – Luca Maria Aiello
• 10.00 – 10.30: Brief Group Discussion / Transition

Coffee Break 10.30 – 10.45

Session 2 (90 minutes)

• 10.45 – 11.05: Keynote Talk 2 + Q&A – Ivana Konvalinka
• 11.05 – 11.25: Lightning Talks – Abbas K. Rizi, Louis Boucherie
• 11.25 – 12.10: Moderated Group Discussion & Brainstorming (Future directions, collaboration opportunities)
• 12.10 – 12.15: Closing Remarks & Wrap-up – Organizers

Target audience

PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, junior and senior faculty, and researchers from industry or public institutions interested in network science, complex systems, computational social science, graph-based data analysis, and their applications within AI and digitalization.

Outcomes

• Gain insights into cutting-edge research in network science and complex systems relevant to data science and AI.
• Be exposed to diverse perspectives and methodologies from leading and emerging researchers in Denmark.
• Identify potential collaborators and strengthen their professional network within the Danish research community.
• Engage in discussions about key challenges, open questions, and future research directions in the field.
• Learn about potential applications and interdisciplinary connections relevant to DIREC, DDSA, and P1 initiatives. 

Speakers

• Luca Maria Aiello (Professor, ITU, Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Ivana Konvalinka (Associate Professor at DTU, Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Jonas L. Juul (Assistant Professor, ITU, Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Akhil Arora (Assistant Professor, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark)
• Abbas K. Rizi (Postdoc, DTU)
• Louis Boucherie (Postdoc DTU)

Level

Intermediate to Advanced. The workshop is aimed at attendees with some existing knowledge of data science, AI, or quantitative methods.

Intermediate: Suitable for attendees who have a basic understanding or some experience with network concepts or complex systems modeling but are not yet advanced specialists.

Advanced: Also suitable for attendees with significant experience and a strong understanding of network science and related methodologi es, offering state-of-the-art insights and discussion opportunities.

Organizers

• Michele Tizzani (Lead Organizer), Postdoctoral Researcher, DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark, micti@dtu.dk
• Abbas K. Rizi, Postdoctoral Researcher, DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark, akari@dtu.dk