DFG-Kolleg-Forschergruppe MECS (Medienkulturen der Computersimulation)

Organisational unit: Projectteam

Organisation profile

Computer simulations have revolutionised the sciences. Their impact left a mark in nearly every possible field of study – from microbiology, to climate research, and even astrophysics.

What new kinds of knowledge arise through computer simulations? How do they change our understanding of the sciences?

At the Institute of Advanced Study on Media Cultures of Computer Simulation (MECS), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), we set out to find answers to these broad questions. We seek to accomplish this in diverse ways: by analysing historical and contemporary case studies , by building an interdisciplinary network of international fellows , and by organising trans-disciplinary lectures, workshops, and conferences .

In an age of computer simulations, MECS is one of the few institutions worldwide specifically focused on understanding their wide-ranging impacts.

  1. Published

    Optical Diagrams as “Paper Tools”: Della Porta’s Analysis of Biconvex Lenses from De refractione to De telescopio

    Borrelli, A., 2017, The Optics of Giambattista Della Porta (ca. 1535–1615). Borrelli, A., Hon, G. & Zik, Y. (eds.). Cham: Springer Nature AG, p. 57-96 40 p. (Archimedes; vol. 44).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  2. Published
  3. Published

    Paranoia

    Apprich, C., 2017, Nach der Revolution: Ein Brevier digitaler Kulturen. Beyes, T., Metelmann, J. & Pias, C. (eds.). Berlin: Tempus Corporate GmbH, p. 78-86 9 p. (Duisburger Dialoge).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  4. Published

    Plastilin und Kreisel, Pinsel und Projektor: Julius Ries und die Materialität der seriellen Anschauung

    Wellmann, J., 2017, Serie und Serialität: Konzepte und Analysen in Gestaltung und Wissenschaft. Scholtz, G. (ed.). Berlin: Dietrich Reimer Verlag, p. 77-93 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Media and Migration: Editorial

    Apprich, C., Beverungen, A., Freudenschuß, M., Hille, L., Simons, S., Wiedemann, C., Heinrichs, R. & Yoosuf, H., 2017, In: spheres - Journal for Digital Cultures. 4, 2, 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  6. Published

    Listening to the Body Moving: Auscultation, Sound, and Music around 1800

    Wellmann, J., 2017, In: Journal of Sonic Studies. 13

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    The Form of Becoming: Embryology and the Epistemology of Rhythm, 1760-1830

    Wellmann, J., 03.2017, New York: Zone Books. 423 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Witless slaves or lively artifacts? A debate of the 1960s

    Müggenburg, J. K. & Pias, C., 08.11.2017, In: arq: Architectural Research Quarterly. 21, 1, p. 33–44 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Animating embryos: the in toto representation of life

    Wellmann, J., 01.09.2017, In: British Journal for the History of Science. 50, 3, p. 521-535 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  10. Published

    Krassheiten: Das Ende der Massen und ihrer Medien

    Warnke, M., 2017, In: Treffpunkte. 2017, 3, p. 13 – 16 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Interferences and Events: On Epistemic Shifts in Physics through Computer Simulations

    Dippel, A. (ed.) & Warnke, M. (ed.), 2017, Lüneburg: meson press. 182 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  12. Published

    Daten, Wahn, Sinn

    Apprich, C., 05.10.2017, In: Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft. 9, 17-2, p. 54-62 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Dealing with Climate Change: A Conversation with Paul N. Edwards and Oliver Geden

    Schrickel, I. & Engemann, C., 12.06.2017, In: Berichte zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte. 40, 2, p. 175-185 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  14. Published

    Trading Zones of Climate Change: Introduction

    Schrickel, I. & Engemann, C., 12.06.2017, In: Berichte zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte. 40, 2, p. 111-119 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  15. Published

    Das Interface der Selbstverborgenheit: Szenarien des Intuitiven in Mensch-Roboter Kollaborationen

    Kasprowicz, D., 2018, Unterwachen und Schlafen: Anthropophile Medien nach dem Interface. Andreas, M., Kasprowicz, D. & Rieger, S. (eds.). Lüneburg: meson press, p. 159-186 26 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    New Labor, Old Questions: Practices of Collaboration with Robots

    Kasprowicz, D., 2021, Connect and Divide: The Practice Turn in Media Studies. Schüttelpelz, E., Bergermann, U., Dommann, M., Stolow, J. & Taha, N. (eds.). Zürich: Diaphanes Verlag, p. 247-262 16 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Digitalfotografie und Entropie

    Hagen, W., 2014, Bild: Ein interdisziplinäres Handbuch. Günzel, S. & Mersch, D. (eds.). 1 ed. Weimar: J.B. Metzler, p. 267-272 6 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Swarm Robotics, or: The Smartness of 'a bunch of cheap dumb things'

    Vehlken, S., 24.12.2017, In: Spool. 4, 1, 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    The Hidden Space of Production: Virtuality in Henri Bergson and Gilbert Simondon

    Kasprowicz, D., 2017, You were not expected to do this : On the Dynamics of Production: Distraction/Interference - Resistence/Accident. Blanga-Gubbay, D. & Ruchaud, E. (eds.). 1 ed. Düsseldorf University Press, p. 111-126 16 p. (materialisierungen; vol. 5).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Wissenschaftsgeschichte zwischen Digitalität und Digitalisierung

    Borrelli, A., 27.06.2018, In: Zeitschrift für digitale Geisteswissenschaften - ZfdG. Sonderband 3, 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Das Blut, das Ich und sein Schatten: Zu den Emblemen einer zirkulären Serialität in Dexter

    Hagen, W., 03.2017, Bis auf Weiteres. Pinnwand und Serie. Engell, L., Maeder, D., Schröter, J. & Wentz, D. (eds.). Marburg: Schüren Verlag, p. 57-64 8 p. (Augen-Blick : Konstanzer Hefte zur Medienwissenschaft; vol. 68).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  22. Published

    Werkzeug Windkanal: Simulationen in der Stadtklimaforschung

    Zindel, H., 2018, In: Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft. 19, 2, p. 54–67 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Sonderheft Medienökonomien, Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft, Vol 18, Nr. 1

    Hoof, F. (ed.), Dommann, M. (ed.) & Hediger, V. (ed.), 04.2018, Bielefeld: transcript Verlag. 210 p. (Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft; vol. 18, no. 1)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  24. Published

    Der Rest ist Papier: Mediale Infrastrukturen der Finanzmärkte

    Ambroschütz, J., Dommann, M. & Hoof, F., 12.04.2018, In: Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft. 10, 18-1, p. 87-96 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  25. Published

    Medienökonomien. Einleitung in den Schwerpunkt

    Dommann, M., Hediger, V. & Hoof, F., 01.03.2018, In: Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft. 10, 18-1, p. 8-17 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Between Recognition and Abstraction: Early Vocational Training Films

    Hoof, F., 22.03.2018, The Image in Early Cinema: Form and Material. Curtis, S., Gunning, T., Gauthier, P. & Yumibe, J. (eds.). Indiana University Press, p. 111-119 9 p. (The Image in Early Cinema).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Between the Front Lines: Vocational Training Films, Machine Guns and the Great War

    Hoof, F., 09.2018, Cinema's Military Industrial Complex. Wasson, H. & Grieveson, L. (eds.). Berkeley: University of California Press, p. 177-191 15 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Die Quadratur des Bermudadreiecks

    Müggenburg, J. K. & Vehlken, S., 12.2018, In: Berichte zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte. 41, 4, p. 403-408 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Natur als Ereignis in den modernen Lebenswissenschaften

    Wellmann, J., 05.2019, Naturalismen: Kunst, Ästhetik und Wissenschaft. Felfe, R. & Sass, M. (eds.). Berlin, Boston: Walter de Gruyter GmbH, p. 205-213 8 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Model and Movement: Studying Cell Movement in Early Morphogenesis, 1900 to the Present.

    Wellmann, J., 11.09.2018, In: History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences. 40, 3, p. 59-84 25 p., 59.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published
  32. Published

    Vom Wahn- und Wahrsprechen des technologisch Unbewussten

    Apprich, C., 01.01.2018, In: Le Foucaldien. 4, 1, 20 p., 7.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Secret Agents: A Psychoanalytic Critique of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    Apprich, C., 27.07.2018, In: Digital Culture & Society. 4, 1, p. 29-44 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Faktizitäten: Einleitung in den Schwerpunkt

    Vehlken, S. & Schauerte, E., 10.2018, In: Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft. 19, 2, p. 10-20 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  35. Published

    Perverse Bienen: Artificial Life und der Apfel der Erkenntnis

    Schmickl, T., Müggenburg, J. K. & Warnke, M., 01.03.2018, In: Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft. 10, 18-1, p. 98-110 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Pervasive Intelligence: The Tempo-Spatiality of Drone Swarms

    Vehlken, S., 22.08.2018, In: Digital Culture & Society. 4, 1, p. 107-132 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Visions of Process—Swarm Intelligence and Swarm Robotics in Architectural Design and Construction

    Vehlken, S., 30.08.2018, Robotic Building. Bier, H. (ed.). Springer, p. 1-23 24 p. (Adaptive Environments; vol. 1, no. 1).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Virtuelle Städte

    Vehlken, S., 15.11.2018, Handbuch Virtualität. Rieger, S. & Kasprowicz, D. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer, 25 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  39. Published

    Swarm Robotics, or: the smartness of 'a bunch of cheap dumb things'

    Vehlken, S., 2017, In: Spool. 4, 1, p. 17-25 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Die Fernsehserie als Reflexion und Projektion des medialen Wandels

    Wentz, D., Beil, B., Engell, L., Schröter, J. & Schwaab, H., 2012, Mediatisierte Welten. : Beschreibungsansätze und Forschungsfelder. Hepp, A. & Krotz, F. (eds.). Opladen: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, p. 197-223 27 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Schwerpunkt ›Die Serie‹

    Wentz, D. (ed.), Beil, B. (ed.), Engell, L. (ed.), Schröter, J. (ed.) & Schwaab, H. (ed.), 2012, Diaphanes Verlag. 184 p. (ZfM, Zeitschrift für Medienwissenschaft ; vol. 2/2012, no. 7)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  42. Published

    Belagerung von Paris: 69 Freiballons, 381 Tauben und fast 11 Tonnen Post

    Zindel, H., 2018, Medien – Krieg – Raum. Nowak, L. (ed.). München: Wilhelm Fink Verlag, Vol. 1. p. 141–160 20 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  43. Published

    Bewegung an der Wand: Zur Aufführung von Organismen mit dem Sonnenmikroskop

    Wellmann, J., 2018, Bildwelten des Wissen: Kunsthistorisches Jahrbuch für Bildkritik. Feiersinger, L. (ed.). Berlin, Boston: Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Vol. 14. p. 10-20 11 p. ( Bildwelten des Wissens : Kunsthistorisches Jahrbuch für Bildkritik; vol. 14).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  44. Published

    Gluing life together. Computer simulation in the life sciences: An Introduction

    Wellmann, J., 01.12.2018, In: History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences. 40, 4, 10 p., 70.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  45. Published

    Der Körper auf Tauchstation: zu einer Wissensgeschichte der Immersion

    Kasprowicz, D., 01.01.2019, Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG. 401 p. („Wissenschafts- und Technikforschung“ NEUE FOLGE; vol. 19)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesBook

  46. Published

    By Means of Which: Media, Technology, Organisation

    Beyes, T., Holt, R. & Pias, C., 12.12.2019, The Oxford Handbook of Media, Technology, and Organization Studies. Beyes, T., Pias, C. & Holt, R. (eds.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 498-514 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  47. Published
  48. Published

    Street Wisdom

    Vehlken, S., 01.2020, Universalenzyklopädie menschlicher Klugheit: Festschrift für Bernhard Siegert. Krajewski, M. & Maye, H. (eds.). Berlin: Kulturverlag Kadmos , p. 212-213 2 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  49. Published

    Computer Simulations Then and Now: an Introduction and Historical Reassessment

    Borrelli, A. & Wellmann, J., 01.12.2019, In: NTM International Journal of History and Ethics of Natural Sciences, Technology and Medicine. 27, 4, p. 407-417 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  50. Published

    Editorial: #5 Spectres of Artificial Intelligence

    spheres Editorial Collective, Apprich, C., Beverungen, A. & Hille, L., 01.11.2019, In: spheres - Journal for Digital Cultures. 5, p. 1-4 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research