PURPOSE : Using simulations in Economics requires some programming skills as well as the capacity to properly design model structures, calibrate configurations, and analyse the results. These steps of simulations’ development feed back into each other, providing insight of the phenomenon modelled, and need therefore to be carried on coherently.

The simulation platform LSD offers all the tools needed to facilitate the modeller on all the aspects of using simulations as research tools.
SIME provides participants with both technical information on the use of LSD and on the overall methodology of reaching scientifically robust insights from simulation models, from writing the code for the equations to document a model for diffusion.

TARGET GROUP

Doctoral students and young researchers working on or in need of a simulation model. No previous experience on simulation or programming is required, though the course may be of interest also to expert modellers willing to compare LSD with other simulation languages. Applicants with specific interests (e.g. interested in specific models) will be given individual lessons.

PROGRAMME

The program alternates lectures on the methodology of simulations and extensive exercises during which students learn how to use LSD to design, implement, revise and generally exploit simulation models for scientific research. Several models, of increasing complexity, will be developed during the exercises. Students will then be invited to develop their own original modification of one of the model presented, or to design a new model. Member of the staff will assist students during the exercises and provide individual lessons if needed.

ORGANISERS : E.S. ANDERSEN, IKE, Aalborg, DK; P. LLERENA, BETA, Strasbourg, F; M. VALENTE, University of L’Aquila, I.

TEACHING STAFF: E.S. ANDERSEN, IKE, Aalborg, DK; T. CIARLI, University of L’Aquila, I; A.LORENTZ, MAX PLANCK, Jena, D; M. VALENTE, University of L’Aquila, I.

FEES and COSTS :
Fees : 400 euros for the May session (200 euros for participants from DIME partner institutions).
Accommodation and other local costs will be covered by the DIME budget.
Travel: participants are requested to look for local funds. If necessary they can apply for support from DIME; limited funds will be available and will be used primarily for applicants from isolated teams and institutions from new member states as well as for women.

Application procedure
Applications should be sent (by e-mail if possible) to Patrick Llerena *

1. Letter of motivation with CV
2. Abstract of PhD topic, or overall current research area
3. Letter of support by the home supervisor
4. In case the applicant is interested in a specific model, the application should also include a description of the project, including the aim of the simulation and current stage of development.

* Patrick Llerena – Université Louis Pasteur – BETA- 61 avenue de la Forêt Noire – 67000 Strasbourg (France) – Fax : 33(0)3 90242071 - E-mail