IMÉRA Interdisciplinary Explorations Programme┋Transdisciplinarity and Research on Complex Systems
t-co.re@AMU / Iméra Chair
Recommendations for submitting an application under the “Interdisciplinary Explorations” program
- The research project must be relevant for a research stay at an institute for advanced study based in Marseille
- The research project must cove with one or more of the thematic areas of the Interdisciplinary Explorations program
Conditions of the residency and application for 2026-27
Chair’s objectives
Iméra, the Institute for Advanced Study at Aix-Marseille University, in cooperation with the “t-co.re@AMU” Excellence Chair and its network, offers a 10-month chair to researchers from all disciplines. Particular interest is given to philosophers, physicists, mathematicians, biologists, neuroscientists, sociologists, environmentalists, and economists working on the structures and dynamics of complexity. The aim is to promote an outstanding research focused on interdisciplinary and critical approaches to complex systems. The specific objective is to develop research in the following areas of complexity science:
- The philosophical and scientific history of the concept of complexity
- Epistemology and the theory of complex systems
- Complexity and information theory
- Modeling practices
- Applications of complex modeling
- The theory and practice of inter-/transdisciplinarity in the field of complexity
The goal is to critically and explicitly foster interdisciplinary research and reflection on complex systems and how “complexity science” is reshaping our understanding of science and our approach to the world.
Priority will be given to research projects in one of these thematic areas, with the intention of developing ambitious future projects or producing high-quality publications in these fields.
Special consideration will be given to:
- Researchers who have critically examined the concept of complexity in one or more of the mentioned fields
- Researchers who have produced innovative and original results in their field and wish to pursue more general theoretical reflection on the epistemological foundations of their scientific practice in relation to complexity
- Researchers interested in how interdisciplinary dialogue can enrich their own discipline, influencing the formulation of new problems and scientific inquiries
Researchers who intend to transfer knowledge from their own field of complexity research to practical applications, education, and the interaction between science and society.
Timeline
Application deadline: October 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM (UTC + 2).
Residency duration: Ten months (preferred).
Residency period: September 2, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (Ten months – full academic year).
Selection result announcement : early February 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are open to researchers in any field related to the “Transdisciplinarity and Research on Complex Systems” Chair and its partners. Potential collaboration with Iméra, “t-co.re@AMU”, and one of its partners is encouraged.
Applicants must meet all of the following four requirements :
- To show scientific excellence in a field related to complexity
- Not have resided in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding the application
- Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
- Be employed by a foreign university or research institution during the residency (permanent or temporary position)
Accomodation and Compensation
The Chair holder will receive a monthly allowance of €2.500.
He/She will be provided with free accommodation at the Iméra residence and reimbursement for travel expenses from and back to his/her country of origin.
Selection Criteria
Evaluation will consider:
- The researcher’s scientific excellence according to the highest international standards
- The scientific merit of the project, particularly its interdisciplinary aspect, which is crucial for integration into Iméra’s collective research dynamic as well as the Aix Marseille Université academic ecosystem
- The ability to engage in Iméra’s Interdisciplinary Explorations activities
- The ability to collaborate with at least one of the Chair’s partners
Application
The online application should include:
The online application file consists of the following documents:
- The completed application form (mandatory fields)
- Files to upload:
- A detailed, structured, and feasible research project (maximum five pages), to be carried out during the residency, followed by a selective bibliography
- A curriculum vitae including a list of publications
- Optional: a letter of reference from someone who has played a decisive role in the scientific career of the candidate.
About the Chair partner
The “Transdisciplinarity and Research on Complex Systems” Chair is affiliated with the “t-co.re@AMU” Chair of Excellence, Transdisciplinarity and Complexity Research, and its partners, including:
- Centre Gilles Gaston Granger (UMR 7304) at Aix-Marseille University: click here
- CPT – Centre de Physique Théorique: click here
- CENTURI – Turing Centre for Living Systems: click here
- INT – Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone: click here
- InCIAM, Institut Créativité et Innovation d’Aix-Marseille: click here
- RECOVER: click here
- ITEM – Institut Méditerranéen pour la Transition Environnementale: click here
Contact
For more information, please get in touch with:
- Fausto Fraisopi, holder of the AMU Excellence Chair “t-co.re”, Transdisciplinarity and Complexity Research : fausto.fraisopi@philosophie.uni-freiburg.de and faustofraisopi@gmail.com
- Enrico Donaggio, Scientific Director of Iméra : enrico.donaggio@univ-amu.fr
