Following the ESSA 2008 conference in Brescia we invite you to
participate in the “Problems in Social Simulation” workshop. The
workshop is jointly organised by ESSA’s Policy and Social Conflict and
Social Simulation (SCSS) Special Interest Groups (SIGs). It is hosted by
the Centre for Policy Modelling and will take place at Manchester
Metropolitan University Business School (http://www.business.mmu.ac.uk/)
from 1 to 3 April 2009.

The workshop’s aim is to identify pressing problems in social simulation
in the field of policy and social conflict modelling and to set an
agenda in the form of a research initiative that communicates these
problems, consequences and possible solutions to a broader audience. To
do so, the workshop will bring together leading scholars in the field of
policy and social conflict modelling. Each participant is encouraged to
frankly report on and discuss about general research problems relating
to social simulation in the mentioned fields and the research problems
s/he faces. There are no thematic constraints, and proposals focusing on
methodological problems are as much welcome as proposals discussing
theoretical, funding or ethical problems.

Each participant will have the chance to present his/her problems
followed by a plenary discussion. There will be no parallel sessions. On
the workshop’s last day we will start with a short summary, followed by
an open discussion that aims at outlining a research initiative. We
envisage to make the workshop proceedings publicly available.

Expressions of interest to participate should be made by submitting an
abstract of at least 200 words to Armando Geller (armando@cfpm.org).
However, because we foresee to publish what has been presented at the
workshop, we encourage participants to submit an extended abstract. The
deadline for abstract submission is 31 December 2008. Submission is
tantamount to registration.

Please visit the workshop’s website for more details:
http://www.essa.eu.org/simulation-wiki/SIGWorkshopOnProblemsInSocialSimulation

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ruth
Meyer at ruth@cfpm.org, our local host.

We look forward to meeting you in Manchester.

Best wishes,
Ruth Meyer, Kathrin Happe, Nanda Wijermans and Armando Geller