The Age of Simulation
“The Age of Simulation” is a conference and exhibition that will be taking a transdisciplinary reading of the current state of the art of simulation. Attendees from all over the world will elaborate on the basic principles of simulation and explain its applications ranging from computer games and special effects in the field of filmmaking all the way to simulations of the behavior of working groups, flocks of birds, markets and panicky investors, traffic jams, and the propagation of opinions and styles. By taking up key issues that have already displayed a high degree of resonance among many segments of society, “The Age of Simulation – Research and Learning in the 21st Century” is proceeding in accordance with the view that everyone—and not only scientists—can profitably utilize simulation techniques to understand emerging trends and to plan for them.
Forms of network analysis and simulation as applied in a wide range of social spheres display tremendous future promise and illustrate how projects at the interface of science and artistic as well as technological innovation can enhance learning and research in the 21st century. “Simulation and Research,” “Simulation and Business,” “Simulation and Education,” “Simulation and Social Interaction,” “Simulation and Public Space” and “Simulation and Entertainment” are the categories that will comprise the basis from which FAS.research and Ars Electronica will open up new insights into and perspectives on learning and research in what can be termed the Age of Simulation.
The world is complex and often unpredictable. The disappearance of linear processes and obvious connections in a dense thicket of network-linked interrelationships and reciprocal feedback effects engenders systems that lack transparency, are difficult to calculate and characterized by dynamic complexity. Developments in the labor market, technological innovations, stock exchange trends, international conflicts, natural catastrophes and market developments in general are just a few examples. Such systems characterized by nonlinear, decentralized and unpredictable processes confront us with new challenges to our skill acquisition and maintenance efforts (e.g. lifelong learning, learning how to learn, meta-learning).
In their encounters with the very same circumstances and exigencies, scientists and researchers attempt to make complexity more vivid and easier to comprehend by relying on simulation and network analysis. Indeed, in recent years, network analysts, complexity theorists, software developers, educators/trainers and multimedia artists have pioneered new methods of computer-based simulation in order to grasp the world’s complex, multi-layered interrelationships and to thereby gain a decisive advantage through advanced knowledge acquisition.
During the course of this conference, these new methods of learning and research that utilize simulation to facilitate access to complex bodies of knowledge will be presented and discussed. The exhibition will feature interactive installations and showcase exemplary projects designed to illustrate the playful, creative approaches that various forms of simulation can open up in diverse areas. Special evening lectures and performances related to the conference theme round out the program.

Program