About NICO
NICO's mission is to incubate innovative collaborations that leverage complexity, networks, and data science to address societal challenges. The Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO) was founded in 2004 with the goals of uncovering fundamental principles that govern complex systems in science, technology, and human behavior.
NICO is a collaboration between the McCormick School of Engineering and the Kellogg School of Management.
Announcements
The lastest news and events from the NICO.
Learn more
NICO Interdisciplinary Research Networking Luncheon Groups
Networking luncheons have been meeting since 2017 to facilitate networking among faculty, stimulate discussion of significant and emerging research areas, and advance interdisciplinary research.
Metropolitan Chicago Data-science Corps (MCDC)
MCDC is an NSF funded initiative that is administered by NICO. It is a collaboration of community organizations and data science students and experts from multiple Chicago-area universities and colleges.
Apply to Open Positions at NICO
NICO is seeking exceptional candidates for Post Doctoral Fellows and research assistance in computational social science, science of science, and complex systems.
News & Events
News
Renewal of NIH Grants Linked to More Innovative Results, Study Finds
Brian Uzzi is quoted in Nature on the importance of continuity in science funding. If researchers “get their knees cut out from under them” midstream, leaving their work unfinished, Uzzi says, “that’s disruptive to the advancement of science”.
Brian Uzzi Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Brian Uzzi is among nine Northwestern faculty elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Academy recognizes leaders across disciplines, professions, and perspectives
Complex Challenges Conference Spotlights and Sparks Interdisciplinary Research
NICO convened the second annual Complex Challenges for a Complex Future Conference, on August 28, 2024, where faculty built cross-school bridges and discussed innovative new projects.
Medical School Establishes Center for Computational and Social Sciences in Health
Northwestern University has established the Center for Computational and Social Sciences in Health (COMPASS), led by Michelle Birkett, which aims to foster connection and bridge the fields of data science, social science and population health.
Upcoming Events
Summer classes begin
June 23
All Day
Connect with NICO
NICO Listserv
Subscribe to the NICO Listserv and receive information about the Wednesdays@NICO Speaker Series, Data Science Nights, and other NICO news and events.
NICO Reading Group
The NICO reading group meets regularly over lunch to discuss recent papers, fundamentals, and emerging trends in complexity research.