The James Hutton Institute is set to host a week-long intensive course on agent-based modelling this summer, in partnership with the European Social Simulation Association (ESSA) and the University of Aberdeen.
The course, titled ESSA Summer School 2026: Introduction to Agent-Based Modelling, will be held at the Hutton’s Craigiebuckler campus in Aberdeen from the 17 to the 21 August.
The Hutton is a world leader in agent-based modelling (ABM), which is a computational modelling technique used to simulate the behaviour of autonomous agents – such as people, organisations, vehicles or even biological cells – within a defined environment. It can identify patterns and has applications in a range of fields including epidemiology, economics, traffic simulations, healthcare and ecology.
Led by Dr Gary Polhill, a senior human-natural systems research scientist at the Hutton, the one-week course will introduce ABM, connecting theories of complex systems with practical model design, programming and experimentation.
Participants will learn how ABMs can represent heterogeneous actors (diverse human and non-human participants in a system), dynamic environments and emergent socio-ecological patterns. They’ll also gain experience with NetLogo, an open-source programming language and integrated development environment designed specifically for ABM.
The course combines conceptual theory, coding exercises,
In addition to the training, summer school participants will also receive guest lectures from globally renowned ABM researchers, providing insight into cutting-edge applications and examples of what agent-based models can achieve.
While this training is aimed at PhD students, researchers and practitioners, anyone interested in modelling socio-ecological systems, environmental policy, behavioural dynamics and other complex adaptive systems is welcome to apply.
Course fees vary; however, those who apply before 31 March can secure an early-bird discount.
The Hutton is also looking for industry partners to sponsor the course. If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact Marketing Manager Jan Hewitt ([email protected]).
To find out more and apply for the summer school, visit: https://large-scale-modelling.hutton.ac.uk/node/31
