Scientific report
Arkady Pikovsky (Department of Physics and Astronomy, Potsdam University, Germany),
Antonio Politi (University of Aberdeen, UK),
Michael Rosenblum (Department of Physics and Astronomy, Potsdam University, Germany)
oscillatory units. The event was dedicated to the 40th anniversary
of the first publication on the nowadays very popular Kuramoto model.
This simple solvable model explains self-synchronization
transition in large ensembles; it became a paradigmatic one and is used in many
contexts, e.g. in computational neuroscience. It would not be an exaggeration
to say that in studies of oscillatory dynamics the Kuramoto model plays the same
central role as the Ising model in studies of phase transitions.
The main aspects addressed in invited and contributed presentations have been:
analytical tools, such as the Watanabe-Strogatz theory and Ott-Antonsen ansatz;
various extensions of the original Kuramoto model;
dynamics on complex networks; analysis of chimera states;
finite-size effects and scaling at the synchronization transition; effects
of delayed connections; control of network dynamics; connections with phase
transitions; experimental studies of lasers, electrochemical oscillators, and
mechanical systems. Furthermore, the speakers addressed various aspects of
neuronal dynamics modeling, including the analysis of systems with excitatory and oscillatory
elements, pulse-coupled systems and firing-rate models, as well as the relationship with
the circadian rhythm.
Generally, we believe that there has been a good balance between theoretical
and experimental talks and that an appreciated aspect of the Workshop has been the
opportunity for each participant to interact with members of different
communities: experimetalists, theoretical physicists, and mathematicians.
Finally, the friendly environment at the MPIPKS Institute essentially contributed
to fruitful discussions and helped to trigger new scientific collaborations.
The Workshop was very timely: it has allowed a fast spreading of recent rigorous
mathametical results as well as of different theoretical techniques across the
various disciplines. Many participants have indeed expressed a final positive
opinion that goes beyond a formal congratulation. The impression of a successful event
is confirmed by the very few cancellations (mostly due to health and family problems).
As a results, practically all leading experts in the field, coming from Europe,
USA, Japan, and New Zealand, took part in the Workshop.
Moreover, the number of applications for the contributed
presentations essentially exceeded the limit so that we had to decline quite a number
of otherwise meaningful applications.
We are grateful to DFG for the additional financial support which made
possible the participation of so many overseas speakers.
Special thanks go to MPIPKS, its secretary team and especially to
Maria Pätzold for her support and a very professional and efficient organization.
As a weak point we mention that the breakfasts could have been better.
For further information please e-mail to: qcmc15
pks.mpg.de
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