2025 ASSA International Summer School on Methodology of Computational Social Science
Since 2019, the Macro Agriculture Research Institute of Huazhong Agricultural University has annually co-hosted the "Methodology of Computational Social Science" Summer School with experts from international research institutions including Imperial College London (UK), IAMO (Germany), RTI International (USA), the University of Groningen (Netherlands), and the University of Milan (Italy). More than 500 young faculty members and postgraduate students from over 80 domestic and international universities and research institutions—such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, King's College London, and Humboldt University of Berlin—have participated in the program. Many alumni have become leading researchers at renowned universities in Europe, America, and China's "985 Project" institutions. The summer school has emerged as the world's largest training platform for computational social science methodology, acclaimed as the "Whampoa Military Academy of Social Simulation."
Computational social science is an emerging interdisciplinary discipline formed by the in-depth application of computer technology and data science in social sciences. As a representative of the new paradigm for social science research in the digital-intelligent era, it provides powerful tools for solving complex economic and social problems. Simulation modeling serves as the core research method of computational social science, and a solid grasp of this method is a prerequisite for engaging in computational social science research. This year, the summer school continues to invite renowned domestic and international scholars to conduct training on the basic principles, modeling methods, and typical applications of social simulation.
The course content includes, but is not limited to:
1. Theory of Complex Social Systems and Principles of Simulation Modeling
2. Concepts and Principles of Agent-Based Modelling
3. Model building with NetLogo
4. Parameter Estimation, Sensitivity Analysis, and Empirical Validation of Simulation Models
5. Agent-Based Modeling of Complex Social Networks
6. Documentation of ABM (i.e., ODD protocol)
7. Relevant applications and examples of social simulation models used for decision support
● Training Dates: July 23-25, 2025.
● Training Format: On-site.
● Location: Report Hall A705, No.3 Comprehensive Building, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, China
● Enrollment Targets: The summer school is open to teachers and students worldwide who are interested in using computational simulation methods for academic research (not limited to the field of social science).
● Organizer:
Asian Social Simulation Association (ASSA)
●Organizing Committee:
Macro Agriculture Research Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University
Urban Systems Laboratory, Imperial College London
Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO)
● Training Fees
Students participating in the study are required to pay training fees. After approval and filing by the financial department, the training fee standards are 600 RMB per student and 2600 RMB per teacher.
● Registration
Before June 8, 2025, visit the website https://www.wjx.cn/vm/O5X1802.aspx# or scan the QR code below to register. We solemnly promise that the information and materials provided by registrants will be used only for this summer school session, and personal information will be strictly confidential.
● Admission Feedback
This summer school plans to admit 100 students. Admission results will be announced on June 30, 2025.
● Contact Information
Phone: 027-87285015
Email: ComSocSci@outlook.com
