NAME is a new reading and discussion group at Sussex University that will be conducted via regular weekly meetings, a mailing list and a blog.

It is designed to foster collaboration between the mathematical, physical and life sciences and artificial life, primarily with application to evolutionary theory and ecology.

NAME can stand for "New Approaches to Modelling Ecosystems" or "New Approaches to Modelling Evolution".

We envisage discussions that will span the fields of ecology, evolutionary theory, artificial life, biology, mathematics, physics and computational modelling. We believe these domains are ripe for cross-fertilization. We are particularly interested in models that include feedback between populations and their environment. Proposed topics include:

* niche construction
* ecosystem thermodynamics
* levels of selection
* homeostatic models
* network approaches
* information theory in evolution

We will meet on a regular (weekly) basis with a program of invited speakers presenting research or leading discussions. We hope to pursue both abstract models and real world issues.

Please contact us if you have an interest in joining our group; we will add you to the mailing list.

James Dyke & Nathaniel Virgo
j.g.dyke@sussex.ac.uk
nathanielvirgo@gmail.com