# Anomalous Phase Transitions in Complex Systems

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN) · $300,000

## Abstract

Sudden qualitative changes in the behavior of large complex systems can both be essential for their functioning and also lead to dramatic breakdown. Examples range from ecosystems with possible tipping points and extinction, to sudden changes in heart rhythm, and to self-organization in early development. Mathematical theory aims at predicting such changes, finding mechanisms that can prevent dramatic outcomes, or identifying causes of malfunction. Much of the theory developed in the mathematical sciences addresses transitions in simple dynamical systems, leading to universal qualitative predictions for qualitative changes in behavior. This project is concerned with case studies of transitions in large and complex systems, in particular with situations where such systems behave in apparently anomalous ways, challenging our understanding inferred from existing theory. Examples show how the complexity of large systems can eliminate system memory in transitions, thus facilitating easy switching between qualitatively different states with implications  in systems biology. Transitions also involve intricate interplay between spatial organization and temporal evolution, with implications for the formation of ecological clusters and niches, as well as for the emergence of spiral waves in cardiac arrhythmia. The project integrates work of several graduate students on the projects and offers opportunities for mentoring by graduate students and research by undergraduate students during

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2506837
- **Awardee organization:** University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **PI:** Arnd Scheel
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
- **Estimated total:** $300,000
- **Funds obligated:** $300,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2506837

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2506837, Anomalous Phase Transitions in Complex Systems. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2506837. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*