Santa Fe Institute
@sfiscience.bsky.social
The premier research center for #ComplexSystems #science.
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The latest issue of SFI's monthly e-newsletter is now available. Catch up on recent research, events, and news from the Santa Fe Institute.
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February 5, 2026 at 8:55 PM
The latest issue of SFI's monthly e-newsletter is now available. Catch up on recent research, events, and news from the Santa Fe Institute.
Read it here:
mailchi.mp/santafe/sfi-...
Subscribe to receive future issues:
lnkd.in/e-jhAzCA
Read it here:
mailchi.mp/santafe/sfi-...
Subscribe to receive future issues:
lnkd.in/e-jhAzCA
Welcome SFI Program Postdoctoral Fellow Jordan Kemp!
A country’s GDP or a city’s population size represents organizational and individual decisions over time — statistics useful for policymaking, but which hide the complexity stemming from regional variations in choice.
A country’s GDP or a city’s population size represents organizational and individual decisions over time — statistics useful for policymaking, but which hide the complexity stemming from regional variations in choice.
www.santafe.edu
February 4, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Welcome SFI Program Postdoctoral Fellow Jordan Kemp!
A country’s GDP or a city’s population size represents organizational and individual decisions over time — statistics useful for policymaking, but which hide the complexity stemming from regional variations in choice.
A country’s GDP or a city’s population size represents organizational and individual decisions over time — statistics useful for policymaking, but which hide the complexity stemming from regional variations in choice.
Final week to apply for SFI’s 2026 immersive, summer programs in complexity science:
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
CSSS and GWCSS : www.santafe.edu/engage/learn...
Journalism Fellowship: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
CSSS and GWCSS : www.santafe.edu/engage/learn...
Journalism Fellowship: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
January 27, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Final week to apply for SFI’s 2026 immersive, summer programs in complexity science:
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
CSSS and GWCSS : www.santafe.edu/engage/learn...
Journalism Fellowship: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
CSSS and GWCSS : www.santafe.edu/engage/learn...
Journalism Fellowship: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
In a new paper, SFI researchers examine the Boltzmann brain, a thought experiment that raises fundamental questions about memory, entropy, and time. The work clarifies how arguments for or against these ideas depend on assumptions about the past that are not fixed by physical laws alone.
Disentangling the Boltzmann brain hypothesis: Memory, entropy, and time
We trust our memories because they feel natural, and we trust time because it seems to flow in only one direction. Physics, however, allows for stranger possibilities that challenge our intuition.
In...
www.santafe.edu
January 21, 2026 at 5:48 PM
In a new paper, SFI researchers examine the Boltzmann brain, a thought experiment that raises fundamental questions about memory, entropy, and time. The work clarifies how arguments for or against these ideas depend on assumptions about the past that are not fixed by physical laws alone.
SFI President David Krakauer joins Jim Rutt, SFI Trustee Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow, on The Jim Rutt show for a wide-ranging conversation on intelligence, evolution, scientific risk-taking, how we come to understand complex phenomena, and much more.
www.jimruttshow.com/david-krakau...
www.jimruttshow.com/david-krakau...
January 20, 2026 at 6:13 PM
SFI President David Krakauer joins Jim Rutt, SFI Trustee Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow, on The Jim Rutt show for a wide-ranging conversation on intelligence, evolution, scientific risk-taking, how we come to understand complex phenomena, and much more.
www.jimruttshow.com/david-krakau...
www.jimruttshow.com/david-krakau...
SFI’s GWCSS program is designed for Ph.D. students pursuing thesis research in computational social science. Participants work closely with peers and faculty to advance their own research and take part in collaborative complexity-based problem solving.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/gwcss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/gwcss
January 16, 2026 at 10:05 PM
SFI’s GWCSS program is designed for Ph.D. students pursuing thesis research in computational social science. Participants work closely with peers and faculty to advance their own research and take part in collaborative complexity-based problem solving.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/gwcss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/gwcss
A new study co-authored by SFI External Professor Laura Fortunato @anthrolog.fosstodon.org.ap.brid.gy (University of Oxford) challenges a long-standing claim that polygynous marriage, where men have multiple wives, creates a surplus of men with no prospect of ever marrying.
Study: Does polygyny really exclude vast swaths of men from marriage?
A new study co-authored by SFI External Professor Laura Fortunato (University of Oxford), challenges a long-standing claim that polygynous marriage, where men have multiple wives, creates a surplus of...
www.santafe.edu
January 15, 2026 at 6:45 PM
A new study co-authored by SFI External Professor Laura Fortunato @anthrolog.fosstodon.org.ap.brid.gy (University of Oxford) challenges a long-standing claim that polygynous marriage, where men have multiple wives, creates a surplus of men with no prospect of ever marrying.
Advance your research and expand your network at SFI's 2026 CSSS program with lectures, application-focused seminars, and team projects. Participants gain experience in transdisciplinary collaboration and explore real-world questions through complexity science.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/csss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/csss
January 14, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Advance your research and expand your network at SFI's 2026 CSSS program with lectures, application-focused seminars, and team projects. Participants gain experience in transdisciplinary collaboration and explore real-world questions through complexity science.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/csss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
santafe.edu/csss
In a new Undark op-ed, SFI Resident Professors Brandon Ogbunu and Cris Moore argue that refusing to use AI won’t protect society — and that responsible resistance must begin with understanding how AI works.
Abstinence From AI Is Not the Answer
Opinion | Refusing to use AI won’t protect society. Responsible resistance must include gaining knowledge about it.
undark.org
January 13, 2026 at 6:57 PM
In a new Undark op-ed, SFI Resident Professors Brandon Ogbunu and Cris Moore argue that refusing to use AI won’t protect society — and that responsible resistance must begin with understanding how AI works.
Are you a journalist looking to deepen your understanding of complex systems?
Join the 2026 CSSS Journalism Fellowship at SFI, offering a space to study complexity alongside researchers and reflect on science communication from within the field.
Apply by Feb. 4, 2026
santafe.edu/journalism-f...
Join the 2026 CSSS Journalism Fellowship at SFI, offering a space to study complexity alongside researchers and reflect on science communication from within the field.
Apply by Feb. 4, 2026
santafe.edu/journalism-f...
January 9, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Are you a journalist looking to deepen your understanding of complex systems?
Join the 2026 CSSS Journalism Fellowship at SFI, offering a space to study complexity alongside researchers and reflect on science communication from within the field.
Apply by Feb. 4, 2026
santafe.edu/journalism-f...
Join the 2026 CSSS Journalism Fellowship at SFI, offering a space to study complexity alongside researchers and reflect on science communication from within the field.
Apply by Feb. 4, 2026
santafe.edu/journalism-f...
A human brain runs on about 20 watts, roughly the power required to keep a dim bulb lit. Why can’t computers do the same?
At SFI, a working group convened experts in neuromorphic computing and stochastic thermodynamics to explore how physics could enable faster, more energy-efficient computing.
At SFI, a working group convened experts in neuromorphic computing and stochastic thermodynamics to explore how physics could enable faster, more energy-efficient computing.
More efficient computing through stochastic thermodynamics
A December 10–12 working group met to bring together researchers from two fields — neuromorphic computing and stochastic thermodynamics — to think about ways our built computers might replicate the en...
www.santafe.edu
January 8, 2026 at 11:34 PM
A human brain runs on about 20 watts, roughly the power required to keep a dim bulb lit. Why can’t computers do the same?
At SFI, a working group convened experts in neuromorphic computing and stochastic thermodynamics to explore how physics could enable faster, more energy-efficient computing.
At SFI, a working group convened experts in neuromorphic computing and stochastic thermodynamics to explore how physics could enable faster, more energy-efficient computing.
SFI welcomes Miller Scholar Francis Spufford.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he teaches at Goldsmiths, University of London. His books, including Red Plenty, Golden Hill, and the forthcoming Nonesuch, explore the entanglement of historical, economic, and social forces.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he teaches at Goldsmiths, University of London. His books, including Red Plenty, Golden Hill, and the forthcoming Nonesuch, explore the entanglement of historical, economic, and social forces.
SFI welcomes Miller Scholar Francis Spufford
Francis Spufford, an internationally award-winning writer of nonfiction and fiction, has joined SFI as Miller Scholar. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Francis Spufford teaches writing at ...
www.santafe.edu
January 7, 2026 at 5:55 PM
SFI welcomes Miller Scholar Francis Spufford.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he teaches at Goldsmiths, University of London. His books, including Red Plenty, Golden Hill, and the forthcoming Nonesuch, explore the entanglement of historical, economic, and social forces.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he teaches at Goldsmiths, University of London. His books, including Red Plenty, Golden Hill, and the forthcoming Nonesuch, explore the entanglement of historical, economic, and social forces.
SFI External Professor Wendy Carlin has been appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire — among the highest honors in the British system.
Carlin is recognized for her wide-ranging research in economics and for launching CORE Econ with SFI Professor Sam Bowles in 2013.
Carlin is recognized for her wide-ranging research in economics and for launching CORE Econ with SFI Professor Sam Bowles in 2013.
Wendy Carlin appointed “Dame Commander” in 2026 New Year Honours
In late December 2025, SFI External Professor Wendy Carlin was appointed the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, among the highest honors in the British system, for her wide-rangi...
www.santafe.edu
January 6, 2026 at 10:20 PM
SFI External Professor Wendy Carlin has been appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire — among the highest honors in the British system.
Carlin is recognized for her wide-ranging research in economics and for launching CORE Econ with SFI Professor Sam Bowles in 2013.
Carlin is recognized for her wide-ranging research in economics and for launching CORE Econ with SFI Professor Sam Bowles in 2013.
Applications open for SFI’s 2026 GWCSS program, a 2-week workshop for Ph.D. students and early-career scholars to explore complex systems and computation, collaborate on challenges, and advance their research with support from SFI faculty.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/gwcss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/gwcss
January 1, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Applications open for SFI’s 2026 GWCSS program, a 2-week workshop for Ph.D. students and early-career scholars to explore complex systems and computation, collaborate on challenges, and advance their research with support from SFI faculty.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/gwcss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/gwcss
Now accepting applications for SFI’s 2026 CSSS program, a 3-week experience for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professionals to explore foundational theory, engage in collaborative projects, and connect with a global research community.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/csss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/csss
December 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Now accepting applications for SFI’s 2026 CSSS program, a 3-week experience for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professionals to explore foundational theory, engage in collaborative projects, and connect with a global research community.
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/csss
Apply by Feb 4, 2026
www.santafe.edu/csss
Do you want to help develop new theories for systems that adapt, evolve, and interact?
Applications are open for SFI’s 2026 UCR program, a fully funded, 10-week experience for undergraduates, offering mentorship, seminars, and project development.
Apply by Jan 14, 2026
www.santafe.edu/ucr
Applications are open for SFI’s 2026 UCR program, a fully funded, 10-week experience for undergraduates, offering mentorship, seminars, and project development.
Apply by Jan 14, 2026
www.santafe.edu/ucr
December 25, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Do you want to help develop new theories for systems that adapt, evolve, and interact?
Applications are open for SFI’s 2026 UCR program, a fully funded, 10-week experience for undergraduates, offering mentorship, seminars, and project development.
Apply by Jan 14, 2026
www.santafe.edu/ucr
Applications are open for SFI’s 2026 UCR program, a fully funded, 10-week experience for undergraduates, offering mentorship, seminars, and project development.
Apply by Jan 14, 2026
www.santafe.edu/ucr
During the COVID-19 pandemic, UCLA biologists witnessed a rare natural experiment among dark-eyed juncos in Los Angeles. A new PNAS study by SFI External Professor Pamela Yeh and co-author Eleanor Diamant explores how sudden changes in human activity reshaped urban bird life.
Study: The surprising impact of COVID-19 on urban bird beaks
Biologists at UCLA used a natural experiment during the COVID-19 lockdowns to study the effects of human activity on urban wildlife. In a new study, SFI External Professor Pamela Yeh and co-author Ele...
www.santafe.edu
December 24, 2025 at 6:45 PM
During the COVID-19 pandemic, UCLA biologists witnessed a rare natural experiment among dark-eyed juncos in Los Angeles. A new PNAS study by SFI External Professor Pamela Yeh and co-author Eleanor Diamant explores how sudden changes in human activity reshaped urban bird life.
Are you a journalist with a deep interest in complexity?
Each year, the Santa Fe Institute invites two experienced journalists to join the Complex Systems Summer School through the CSSS Journalism Fellowship.
Application deadline: Feb. 4, 2026
Learn more: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
Each year, the Santa Fe Institute invites two experienced journalists to join the Complex Systems Summer School through the CSSS Journalism Fellowship.
Application deadline: Feb. 4, 2026
Learn more: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
December 23, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Are you a journalist with a deep interest in complexity?
Each year, the Santa Fe Institute invites two experienced journalists to join the Complex Systems Summer School through the CSSS Journalism Fellowship.
Application deadline: Feb. 4, 2026
Learn more: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
Each year, the Santa Fe Institute invites two experienced journalists to join the Complex Systems Summer School through the CSSS Journalism Fellowship.
Application deadline: Feb. 4, 2026
Learn more: santafe.edu/journalism-f...
For computational devices, talk isn’t cheap.
A new study by SFI Prof. David Wolpert and former Graduate Fellow Abhishek Yadav shows that every bit of information — from neurons firing to CPUs reading memory — has an unavoidable energy cost, and more accurate communication always means more heat.
A new study by SFI Prof. David Wolpert and former Graduate Fellow Abhishek Yadav shows that every bit of information — from neurons firing to CPUs reading memory — has an unavoidable energy cost, and more accurate communication always means more heat.
For computational devices, talk isn't cheap
Every task we perform on a computer requires different components of the machine to interact with one another — to communicate. But scientists don't fully grasp how much energy computational devices s...
www.santafe.edu
December 23, 2025 at 5:58 PM
For computational devices, talk isn’t cheap.
A new study by SFI Prof. David Wolpert and former Graduate Fellow Abhishek Yadav shows that every bit of information — from neurons firing to CPUs reading memory — has an unavoidable energy cost, and more accurate communication always means more heat.
A new study by SFI Prof. David Wolpert and former Graduate Fellow Abhishek Yadav shows that every bit of information — from neurons firing to CPUs reading memory — has an unavoidable energy cost, and more accurate communication always means more heat.
New book: Allocation, Distribution, and Policy
In a new textbook, SFI Professor Sam Bowles and Weikai Chen, a professor of economics at Renmin University of China, present Ph.D.-level problem sets, exam questions, and detailed solutions based on a novel approach to microeconomics.
In a new textbook, SFI Professor Sam Bowles and Weikai Chen, a professor of economics at Renmin University of China, present Ph.D.-level problem sets, exam questions, and detailed solutions based on a novel approach to microeconomics.
Review: Allocation, Distribution, and Policy by Bowles and Chen
"Over the past 40 years, the field of microeconomics has gone through a revolution in real-world applications, yet the theoretical models taught in Ph.D. coursework have been slow to catch up," writes...
www.santafe.edu
December 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
New book: Allocation, Distribution, and Policy
In a new textbook, SFI Professor Sam Bowles and Weikai Chen, a professor of economics at Renmin University of China, present Ph.D.-level problem sets, exam questions, and detailed solutions based on a novel approach to microeconomics.
In a new textbook, SFI Professor Sam Bowles and Weikai Chen, a professor of economics at Renmin University of China, present Ph.D.-level problem sets, exam questions, and detailed solutions based on a novel approach to microeconomics.
The simulation hypothesis has long captured our imagination, yet most arguments rely on intuition over clear definitions.
A new paper by SFI Professor David Wolpert introduces the first precise mathematical framework for defining simulation — and shows many common assumptions don’t hold up.
A new paper by SFI Professor David Wolpert introduces the first precise mathematical framework for defining simulation — and shows many common assumptions don’t hold up.
New mathematical framework reshapes debate over simulation hypothesis
The simulation hypothesis — the idea that our universe might be an artificial construct running on some advanced alien computer — has long captured the public imagination. Yet most arguments about it ...
www.santafe.edu
December 19, 2025 at 10:08 PM
The simulation hypothesis has long captured our imagination, yet most arguments rely on intuition over clear definitions.
A new paper by SFI Professor David Wolpert introduces the first precise mathematical framework for defining simulation — and shows many common assumptions don’t hold up.
A new paper by SFI Professor David Wolpert introduces the first precise mathematical framework for defining simulation — and shows many common assumptions don’t hold up.
For most of history, societies drew firm lines between those who belonged and those who didn't, shaping who was protected or excluded. Beginning in the Enlightenment, European societies began expanding rights.
A recent SFI working group is examining the historical forces driving this expansion.
A recent SFI working group is examining the historical forces driving this expansion.
Understanding the historical forces driving the expansion of human rights
For most of human history, large societies have drawn clear lines between people who belong to the in-group and those who do not. These lines determine who is recognized, protected, or granted status,...
www.santafe.edu
December 19, 2025 at 5:24 PM
For most of history, societies drew firm lines between those who belonged and those who didn't, shaping who was protected or excluded. Beginning in the Enlightenment, European societies began expanding rights.
A recent SFI working group is examining the historical forces driving this expansion.
A recent SFI working group is examining the historical forces driving this expansion.
In October, the International Society for Artificial Life recognized several SFI researchers and co-authors with the ISAL Award for Outstanding Publication of 2024.
The award celebrates the paper “Fundamental constraints to the logic of living systems," which was published last fall.
The award celebrates the paper “Fundamental constraints to the logic of living systems," which was published last fall.
Fundamental logic of life paper receives Outstanding Publication award
In October, the International Society for Artificial Life recognized several SFI researchers and co-authors with the ISAL Award for Outstanding Publication of 2024. The award celebrates the paper “Fun...
www.santafe.edu
December 18, 2025 at 10:03 PM
In October, the International Society for Artificial Life recognized several SFI researchers and co-authors with the ISAL Award for Outstanding Publication of 2024.
The award celebrates the paper “Fundamental constraints to the logic of living systems," which was published last fall.
The award celebrates the paper “Fundamental constraints to the logic of living systems," which was published last fall.
New book: An Introduction to Ergodicity Economics
A new textbook by SFI External Professor Ole Peters and Alexander Adamou re-examines core assumptions in economic theory. It presents a formal challenge to expected-value thinking and shows how non-ergodicity can arise naturally in economic models.
A new textbook by SFI External Professor Ole Peters and Alexander Adamou re-examines core assumptions in economic theory. It presents a formal challenge to expected-value thinking and shows how non-ergodicity can arise naturally in economic models.
New book: Introduction to Ergodicity Economics
An Introduction to Ergodicity Economics is a new textbook that draws on physics to re-examine traditional economic theory. It begins with flipping a coin. And a hypothetical gambit. Imagine you were o...
www.santafe.edu
December 18, 2025 at 7:07 PM
New book: An Introduction to Ergodicity Economics
A new textbook by SFI External Professor Ole Peters and Alexander Adamou re-examines core assumptions in economic theory. It presents a formal challenge to expected-value thinking and shows how non-ergodicity can arise naturally in economic models.
A new textbook by SFI External Professor Ole Peters and Alexander Adamou re-examines core assumptions in economic theory. It presents a formal challenge to expected-value thinking and shows how non-ergodicity can arise naturally in economic models.
Three SFI External Professors and collaborators received a 2025 SAF Research Award from the Shanghai Archaeology Forum for their ongoing project, “The Global Dynamics of Inequality over the Long Term.”
The project was one of 10 celebrated at the 2025 SAF meeting, selected from 140 nominations.
The project was one of 10 celebrated at the 2025 SAF meeting, selected from 140 nominations.
GINI Project receives Research Award from the Shanghai Archaeology Forum
Three SFI External Professors and their collaborators received a 2025 SAF Research Award from the Shanghai Archaeology Forum for their ongoing project, “The Global Dynamics of Inequality over the Long...
www.santafe.edu
December 17, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Three SFI External Professors and collaborators received a 2025 SAF Research Award from the Shanghai Archaeology Forum for their ongoing project, “The Global Dynamics of Inequality over the Long Term.”
The project was one of 10 celebrated at the 2025 SAF meeting, selected from 140 nominations.
The project was one of 10 celebrated at the 2025 SAF meeting, selected from 140 nominations.