This fascinating work is devoted to the fundamental phenomenon in physics - synchronization that occurs in coupled non-linear dissipative oscillators. Examples of such systems range from mechanical clocks to population dynamics, from the human heart to neural networks. The main purpose of this book is to demonstrate that the complexity of synchronous patterns of real oscillating systems can be described in the framework of the general approach, and the authors study this phenomenon as applied to oscillations of different types, such as those with periodic, chaotic, noisy and noise-induced nature.

Alexander Balanov: graduated from Saratov State University (Russia) in 1995 (MSc in Physics), after graduation worked as a Research Engineer in the Laboratory of Nonlinear Dynamics in Saratov State University, in 2000 got his PhD from the same University, in 2000-2003 worked as a Research Associate in the Department of Physics in Lancaster University (UK), since 2003 until now is a Research Fellow in the Insitute of Theoretical Physics at Technical University Berlin (Germany).

Natalia Janson: graduated from Saratov State University (Russia) in 1993 (MSc in Physics); in 1993-1997 was a PhD student in Saratov State University, after obtaining her PhD in 1997 worked as an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department of Saratov State University until 2000; in 2000--2003 was a Research Associate in the Department of Physics in Lancaster University (UK); 2003--now is a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Science in Loughborough University (UK).

Dmitry Postnov: graduated from Saratov State University (Russia) in 1983 (MSc in Physics); after graduation worked as a Research Engineer at the Radiophysics Chair at the Department of Physics of Saratov State University, in 1990 got his PhD from the same University, in 1991--2000 worked as an Assistant and then as an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics; in 2001 got a degree of Doctor of Science and became Full Professor at the same department of Saratov State University.

Olga Sosnovtseva: graduated from Saratov State University (Russia) in 1989 (MSc in Physics); after graduation worked as a Research Engineer at the Institute of Mechanics and Physics, Saratov State University; in 1992-1996 was a PhD student at Saratov State University, after obtaining her PhD in 1996 worked as an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department of the same university until 2000; in 2001--2004 was an Assistant Professor at Physics Department in Technical University of Denmark, since 2005 until now is an Associate Professor in Biophysics, Complex Systems and Biophysics Group, Technical University of Denmark.