ABOUT

We are pleased to invite you to the Complexity of Life Conference 2026 taking place at the University of Graz, in Austria from 7^th to 11^th of September 2026. The conference will be organized by the Field of Excellence COLIBRI - Complexity of Life in Basic Research and Innovation, which brings together researchers from biology, economy, ecology, social science, systems science, linguistics, physics, and mathematics. 

KEY SPEAKERS

Andrea Baronchelli |  City St George's University of London

Douglas Guilbeault | Stanford Graduate School of Business

Rudolf Hanel | Complexity Science Hub & Medical University of Vienna

Ilona Otto | University of Graz

TOPIC

Understanding the relations between the different dynamical and structural levels coexisting in complex systems is key to understanding their functioning, but also represents a formidable challenge. Nowhere is this challenge more evident than in our attempts to understand life. The study of life is inherently a study of transitions. Across scales and scientific disciplines, life is shaped by many qualitative changes, such as developmental transitions, ecological regime shifts, innovative disruptions, and social transformations, among many others. 

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

This year’s theme, “Transitions: From Fundamental Principles to Global Challenges”, encourages contributions that study how our systems of life transition, reorganize, and transform. Addressing it will require a collective, creative, and necessarily interdisciplinary effort, brought together by the participants of the Complexity of Life Conference 2026. Beyond the Key notes and public lecture, participants can engage through contributed talks and dedicated poster sessions designed to foster deep scientific exchange and professional networking. We welcome submissions for contributions across all areas of complexity of life research, including (but not limited to):