Last month leading researchers from around the world came to Warwick for a three-day meeting in honour and celebration of the 60^th birthday of the Centre for Complexity Science’s Director, Prof Robert MacKay FRS.

Around sixty talks and posters were presented on a wide variety of topics within the mathematics of complex systems. Many of the presentations addressed aspects of the underlying theory of nonlinear dynamical systems and complexity science. We also heard about mathematics developed for a wide range of applications including black holes, social networks in ancient myths, and the science of sleep – to name but a few.

Many of the speakers shared their experiences with Robert as students, collaborators and friends. At the conference dinner Prof David Rand spoke warmly of his time with Robert, from his days as a promising young researcher to his outstanding achievements in mathematics, including a few tales of mischief along the way.

Overall an enjoyable event for cutting edge complexity science research and interesting insights into the life and work of our very own Robert MacKay.

Ellen Webborn, PhD student