The German Chapter advances networking and collaboration among system dynamicists in Germany. The Chapter has 113 members per end of April 2011 (of which 5 are corporate members) and keeps more than 280 interested researchers, managers, and students updated through its e-mail newsletter. System Dynamics colloquia and roundtables are regularly organized in various German cities (Frankfurt/Main, Munich). These events provide a basis for meeting fellow system dynamicists and for discussing modeling projects. On May 26-27, 2011, the Chapter's 5th Annual Meeting is held in Wolfsburg. This event brings together modelers from the scientific and corporate world, and by combining talks, presentations, and modeling exercises, it offers a formidable and appreciated platform for establishing links within the community as well as for actively advancing SD skills. More information on the activities of the German Chapter is available from our website at http://www.systemdynamics.de (in German).
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the formation of a biomedical system dynamics special interest group (BPSD SIG). Medical research, medical education, and clinical practice each present a compelling need for deeper, actionable insight into the complex dynamics of biophysical processes at the level of the individual. Systems within the human body amenable to the disciplines of ST/SD range from the molecular to higher level complex physiological processes. Recent developments in embedding simulation models within clinical applications for individualized care have delivered significant results and clearly demonstrated the feasibility and value of biophysical modeling in healthcare. We would like to have a dialogue with meeting participants about topics of mutual interest and to receive feedback on a proposed action plan aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the insights and skills to be gained from the application of ST/SD to individualized medicine.