Summer School on Systems Modelling 2026

10–14 August 2026 · TUM Munich, Germany · Hosted by TUM, Chair of Ergonomics

Dive into five intensive days of systems modelling with FRAM & STAMP. Explore how methods, tools, and teamwork help understand and shape complex socio-technical systems. Learn, apply, reflect — and collaborate internationally.

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Event info

Five intensive days to learn, apply, and reflect on systems modelling with FRAM and STAMP — from conceptual foundations to hands-on group projects and presentations.

What you will learn

Learning outcomes

Conceptual Knowledge

  • Understand the evolution of systems thinking in safety.
  • Explain key characteristics of complex socio-technical systems.
  • Recognize the range of systemic HFE methods and their applications.
Frontal lectures: short inputs introduce frameworks, set the foundation, and clarify terminology.

Methodological Competence

  • Describe the theoretical foundations of FRAM and STAMP.
  • Apply both methods to small case examples with supporting software tools.
  • Identify strengths, limitations, and practical applications of each method.
Tutorial sessions: step-by-step walk-throughs and demo with software tools. Learning-by-doing: short examples build confidence before the group project.

Analytical & Reflective Skills

  • Analyze a socio-technical system using FRAM and STAMP in a group project.
  • Compare insights gained from different methods.
  • Critically reflect on method suitability in research and practice contexts.
Group work on a case study: guided, iterative feedback. Participants apply methods independently and reflect on their use.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Work effectively in interdisciplinary, international groups.
  • Present approaches, results, and reflections clearly to peers and experts.
  • Engage in constructive discussions and peer feedback.
Project presentations & plenary discussions: build teamwork, presentation skills, and the ability to argue/defend results.

Format & Daily Rhythm

Structure · 5 days

Tracks

LecturePracticeGroupwork

Components

  • Tutorials with step-by-step walk-throughs (FRAM & STAMP).
  • Software demos and guided mini-exercises.
  • Progression from small tasks to a team case study.
  • Iterative feedback sessions and peer exchange.
  • Final group presentations & plenary discussion.

Outcomes

  • Practical experience with two complementary methods.
  • Confidence using tools and structuring analyses.
  • Actionable insights for your own research or practice.
  • International network and potential collaborations.
  • Certificate of participation and 3 ECTS — a valuable addition to your academic record

Agenda

Use the day switcher and track filters to explore the full program.

Networking
12:0013:00 · Chair of Ergonomics
Day 1 · 10.08

Arrival, Welcome Drinks & Snacks

Pick up badge, coffee & snacks.

Lecture
13:0013:30
Day 1 · 10.08

Opening & Introductions

with
Lecture
13:3014:45
Day 1 · 10.08

Historical overview, Safety I vs. Safety II, Resilience Engineering

with
Networking
14:4515:15
Day 1 · 10.08

Coffee Break

Lecture
15:1516:30
Day 1 · 10.08

Basics of complex socio-technical systems & Overview of systemic HFE methods

with
Lecture
16:3017:00
Day 1 · 10.08

Q&A/Outlook

with
Networking
17:0018:00
Day 1 · 10.08

End of Day / Informal networking

Lecturers

Social Dinner

Social dinner placeholder

Paulaner Biergarten, 19:00–22:00

Address: Hochstraße 77, 81541 München · Open in Google Maps

Leisure Activity

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Guided tour through Munich, 18:00–20:30

Meeting point: Marienplatz, 80331 München · Open in Google Maps

Media

Downloads & videos.

Videos

FRAM Talk 1
FRAM Talk 2
FRAM Talk 3
FRAM Talk 4

Practicalities

Contact, Venue & Hotels.

Contact

Contact photo

Technical University of Munich | TUM School of Engineering and Design

Chair of Ergonomics

Email fram_01.lfe@ed.tum.de

Niklas Grabbe +49 162 1045941


Lecturers

  • Arie Adriaensen | TU Delft
  • Doug Smith | Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Gesa Praetorius | VTI - The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute
  • Niklas Grabbe (Host) | Technical University of Munich
  • Riana Steen | University of Stavanger
  • Riccardo Patriarca | Sapienza University

Email fram_01.lfe@ed.tum.de


Accessibility: We have, as far as possible, taken into account wheelchair access possibilities. The venue has wheelchair access, but we wanted to warn you the social dinner may not provide this possibility. Please contact us if you have any questions about the facilities.

The Venue Location

Venue photo

TUM Campus Garching

Chair of Ergonomics (3rd floor)

Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748 Garching, Germany

From the eastern main entrance of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, walk along the main street to building part 3.

Transport

  • From Munich Central Station, take an S-Bahn towards Ostbahnhof to the Marienplatz stop. There you change to the U6 subway towards Garching and go to the final stop at Garching Forschungszentrum. The journey time is around 30 minutes.
  • From the airport take the S1 to Neufahrn. There you change to the regional bus 690 to Garching, research center. The journey time is approx. 40 minutes.
  • Leave the A9 motorway at the Garching Nord exit and follow the signs for research institutes. Cross the B11 at the traffic lights. You can find parking both west of the faculty and on Boltzmannstrasse (chargeable P+R parking lot).

Hotels

Hotels photo

We will update this section shortly with recommended hotels near the venue (various price ranges and distances).

  • Hotel A – details follow
  • Hotel B – details follow
  • Hotel C – details follow

Applications

We welcome motivated Master’s students, doctoral candidates or postdoctoral researchers eager to deepen their skills in systems modelling (FRAM & STAMP).

Eligibility

  • Enrollment: Master’s level, PhD level or early-career postdoctoral researchers
  • Background: Human Factors, Safety Science, Risk & Reliability, Engineering, Cognitive Science, Organizational Studies, or related fields
  • Motivation: clear interest in systems thinking & socio-technical systems
  • Language: good command of English

Selection Criteria

  • Motivation Letter (max. 1 page)
  • CV (max. 2 pages)
  • (Optional) Academic transcripts

Diversity matters: we aim for a balanced cohort across disciplines, countries, and gender.

Timeline

  • 📢 Call opens: December 1, 2025
  • 📮 Application deadline: April 15, 2026
  • ✉️ Notification: May 1, 2026

Submit via the button below or email your PDF files to fram_01.lfe@ed.tum.de.

Register

Secure your ticket after successful application and receiving the voucher code for registration.

Practical info (travel & contact)

General Admission

€ 200

Social Dinner

Optional & self-payer

Optional networking dinner on the evening of Day 3.

✔ Access to all sessions
✔ Coffee, drinks & snacks included
✔ Materials & give-aways
✔ Leisure activity included