The 100xciencia.8 event brought together around 200 members of the Spanish scientific community that form the Alliance of Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence and María de Maeztu Units of Excellence (SOMMa), discussing topics that highlighted the role of the science of complex systems in contributing and providing solutions to challenges related to a digital, ecological and social transition, and climate change, among others.

This edition of the 100xciencia.8 meeting was co-organized by the SOMMa Alliance, and the Institute of Interdisciplinary Physics and Complex Systems (IFISC, CSIC-UIB) and the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB) of the Balearic Islands, which have been recognized as “María de Maeztu Units of Excellence”.

SOMMa group photo during 100xciencia.8 | SOMMa

The meeting treated topics such as the complexity of the global economy and its intricate web of supply chain connections, exploring how the availability of new data and methodological advances facilitate more accurate and faster decisions. Another topic was the complexity of the climate emergency and biodiversity loss, highlighting the importance of actively engaging society and strengthening its trust in science. This is essential to increase understanding and build collective awareness of these critical issues, which will facilitate more effective joint action towards a more sustainable future.

Domènec Espriu, Director of the Agencia Estatal de Investigación, at the inauguration of the 100xciencia8 SOMMa meeting | ICMAB-CSIC

Keynote speakers included Stefan Thurner, President of the Vienna Complexity Hub (giving the talk Applying complex systems to the economy; Optimising the green and digital transition) and Karina Von Schuckmann, oceanographer specialised in ocean climate monitoring at Mercator Ocean, France (with the talk The ocean in a changing world).

On Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 October, the meeting was open to the public, but on Friday 11 October, the meeting was devoted to an internal session for the SOMMa members: first the General Assembly of the Alliance, and then the working groups (projects, gender equality, communicaotion, technology transfer, open science, etc) gathered to discuss the action plan for the coming years. 

Project Managers Working Group | ICMAB-CSIC 

Three people participated from ICMAB: David Amabilino, Director, Laura Cabana, Head of the Stategic Projects Unit, and Montse Salas, Severo Ochoa Project Manager.

"The General Assembly was very productive, and the different working groups were useful to prepare the action plan for 2025" said Cabana. "In general, a very productive meeting for the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu centers to gather and share good practices" adds Amabilino. 

Renewal of the presidency of the SOMMa Alliance

During the General Assembly of the SOMM Alliance (SOMMa), on Friday, 11 October, the renewal of the presidency of the alliance took place. Antonio Molina, current Scientific Director of the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence Program at CBGP (UPM-INIA/CSIC) has assumed the presidency of SOMMa, replacing María José Sanz (BC3) who completed her two-year term of office.

Molina assured that “it will be a source of pride and a great responsibility to work together with the centers and units of excellence in order to improve the science, technology and innovation system of our country". 

Views from the 100xciencia8 SOMMa meeting in Mallorca | ICMAB-CSIC