GEOSIM is a new graduate research school funded by the Helmholtz association and grants from its home institutions: GFZ Potsdam, Freie Universität Berlin and Universität Potsdam. Earth scientists and mathematicians from these institutions have joined forces to start research and education in the field of Explorative Simulation in Earth Sciences.

Our goal is to train a new generation of outstanding young scientists based on a strong collaboration that will systematically link methodological expertise from the areas of Earth and Mathematical Sciences.

The GEOSIM Education Program

Mathematical modeling, computational and physical simulation take the central position in the GEOSIM education program. Ph.D. students from both geosciences and mathematics & informatics will cooperate closely on joint projects. Because of this, the curriculum consists of (mandatory) fundamental courses and summer schools which will allow the students to develop problem understanding beyond the scope of their own scientific discipline, as well as advanced courses and workshops that will guide the students towards the core scientific issues in the scope of the School as well as in their respective research projects.

The course program is in English.

The following fundamental courses are offered on a regular basis and are mandatory for all fellows of the research school.

Geosciences

• Hydrology   
• Physical oceanography   
• Weather, climate, and environment   
• Plate tectonics and geodynamics   

Mathematics & Informatics: Numerical methods for ODEs and numerical linear algebra and Numerical solution of Partial Differential Equations

The graduate school GEOSIM

GEOSIM stands for research and education in the field of Explorative Simulation in Earth Sciences through the integration of methodological expertise from the areas of Earth and Mathematical Sciences. Simulation, in our concept, will take the role of an explorative tool dedicated to advancing our qualitative and quantitative understanding of Earth’s complex systems, many of which are insufficiently observed and understood and challenging our habitat.

Physical concepts of Earth systems will be developed from applied geoscience knowledge, through mathematical abstraction and the use of high-performance computing. Our groups have outstanding expertise in Earth observation and privileged access to relevant data, in numerical and physical simulation of Earth’s various systems, in the development of mathematical tools and physical concepts, and in high performance computing.

We aim to:

• Train a new generation of up to 50 young scientists with qualifications in both Earth and Mathematical Sciences and simulation
• Build a strong collaboration network between geoscience, mathematical and experimental simulation groups
• Develop new solutions for understanding of complex Earth systems
• Design new methodologies that enhance the versatility of simulation as a tool  for fundamental research

Partner Institutions:

• Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam - Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ
• Freie Universität Berlin
• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Museum für Naturkunde
• Technische Universität Berlin
• Universität Potsdam