On the occasion of the 25-year anniversary of the International Conference on Computational Science (ICCS), Computational Science NL has interviewed Peter Sloot, (emeritus) professor at the University of Amsterdam and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), and co-founder of ICCS. ICCS is an annual conference bringing together computational science researchers across all disciplines to discuss new computational methods to model the world around us. Throughout its lifetime, ICCS has contributed to the birth and growth of the international computational science community. ICCS 2025 will take place on 7-9 July in Singapore; Registration for non-authors is open until June 2nd.
Q: Congratulations on this 25-year achievement! What is the origin of ICCS and what are the goals that you hoped to achieve through this conference?
A: ICCS started out from a series of discussions with Jack Dongarra (computer scientist and Turing award winner), through which we came to the realisation that we needed a platform for the research community to discuss new methodologies and ideas to computationally capture the complex nature of our world. Back then the field of computer science looked down upon the science of modelling and simulation. That’s how ICCS and the term ‘computational science’ came to be. Since 2001, ICCS has brought together international experts across all scientific disciplines, from chemistry and physics to sociology and law, with computational methods serving as the common denominator. Through these interactions, the community has grown to understand and develop models of increasingly interwoven systems. It’s been an interesting and rewarding experience so far!
Q: What role does interdisciplinarity play in ICCS?
A: Interdisciplinarity lies at the core of ICCS! Take the Navier-Stokes equation, for example. Solving it analytically can be a lifelong pursuit, and there are many different numerical solutions that have been developed over the years. But there are also alternative ways to look at fluid flow; For example, Lattice-Boltzmann simulations offer a completely particle-based approach that opens up new applications. The beauty is when approaches like this find a home in various disciplines, from psychology to biology. At ICCS, we’ve seen this happen multiple times. ICCS was also the first place where the concept of computational platforms for Digital Twinning was explored, a hot topic now a days. Stepping into new fields can be daunting and requires a certain level of bravery, as well as a willingness to venture outside one’s comfort zone. ICCS provides a unique platform for this – a ‘safe house’ where people can come together and share their wild ideas with others who understand the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Q: This year’s theme of ICCS is ‘Making Complex Systems tractable through Computational Science’. What can we expect from the program?
A: There is a beautiful quote by mathematical physicist Eugene Wigner who said after seeing a successful computer simulation: ‘I think the computer understands it, now I want to understand it!’. This year’s theme gets to the heart of what computational science has always been about: understanding and modelling the world around us. From the smallest scales, exploring processes at the molecular level, to the vast expanse of the universe, our ambitions have always been far-reaching, and computational science has helped us make sense of it all. What’s changed throughout the years is that the complexity of these systems under study has grown exponentially, making them increasingly difficult to predict and understand. The theme of ICCS 2025 acknowledges this reality by asking a fundamental question: can we make complex systems tractable? To me, tractability means being able to study and analyse the time evolution of such systems in a way that’s both meaningful and manageable. The program of ICCS 2025 will thus reflect this focus on tractability, with experts sharing insights on how to tackle complex systems on a diverse range of topics, from climate modelling and epidemiology to social network analysis and artificial intelligence.
Q: What are your plans and wishes for ICCS for the next 25 years?
A: I have a dual wish for the coming 25 years. On the one hand, I hope for ICCS to continue providing a platform for -the young and the not so young- researchers to present their work and publish it in peer-reviewed proceedings with a good impact factor. On the other hand, after having been active in the field for 25 years, perhaps it’s time to take a step back and let the next generation take over and decide where they want to take ICCS in the future. My hope is that they will identify areas where the conference can make a meaningful contribution and leave its mark. Computational science is getting increasingly important, with new trends and technologies emerging all the time. In this stormy landscape, it’s essential for ICCS to find a niche where it can truly make a difference. Another area where I’d like to see progress is diversity. Computational science has historically been very male dominated, but we need to change our narrative and work harder to attract and retain diverse attendees and speakers from all walks of life so to say. This can be achieved by highlighting the contributions of underrepresented groups in our conference program. Finally, I’m intrigued by the concept of unconventional computing, which could be an exciting area for ICCS to explore in the future, as it has the potential to inspire new breakthroughs and innovations.
Q: What role do you see for Computational Science NL within ICCS?
A: It’s great that Computational Science NL is up and running and recognised within the community. I hope to see it continue thriving and growing and believe that it can play a crucial role in ICCS. Computational Science NL represents one of the many national chapters of computational science research, and I’d like to see it participate in ICCS by showcasing its initiatives and achievements, connecting with other national chapters from around the world, and even collaborating with them. As a recognised national chapter, Computational Science NL can share its expertise and activities with the global community and learn from others in return. This exchange of knowledge and ideas can help to drive innovation in computational science. Additionally, Computational Science NL can provide valuable insights on the theme and focus of future ICCS editions.
Q: What advice would you give to early-career researchers who are new to computational science?
A: Research in general requires an internal motivation to understand the world around you. Without genuine interest and curiosity, it’s easy to get lost in the process. So, I’d advise young researchers to take some time to reflect on their internal drive and motivations. This seems trivial, but many early-career researchers don’t have a clear idea of what they want to achieve or why they’re doing what they’re doing. They get swept in the flow without stopping to think about their own goals and aspirations. As Richard Feynman once said, “There is plenty of room at the bottom.” There are countless fascinating problems to solve and mysteries to unravel. We’re incredibly fortunate to have the computing power and education to tackle these challenges. So, to all the young researchers out there, I’d say: Don’t be afraid to take risks, explore new areas, and push boundaries. It’s now or never! With dedication, passion, and a willingness to learn, you can make a real difference in this field.
