For the first time ever, leading institutions representing a broad range of systems thinking methods and approaches are coming together for a landmark conference on Systems Thinking and Systems Practice.
This conference has been shaped with input from a wide-ranging committee, including members of the UK Government’s Systems Thinking Interest Group (STIG) and the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR). It’s a unique chance to take part in activities to develop your knowledge of systems thinking, to learn from experts within the field and to take part in workshops designed to develop your systems thinking skills.
This conference has been shaped with input from a wide-ranging committee, including members of the UK Government’s Systems Thinking Interest Group (STIG) and the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR). It’s a unique chance to take part in activities to develop your knowledge of systems thinking, to learn from experts within the field and to take part in workshops designed to develop your systems thinking skills.
About the Conference
This conference aims to bridge the divide between theoretical systems research and its practical application by providing access to activities designed to enhance your understanding of systems thinking and to update your knowledge on developments within the field. The conference is an opportunity to explore the core principles of systems thinking, from its foundations to the latest emerging topics. As a key focus, bridging the gap between theory and practice will be explored through workshops and presentations on how systems thinking is being used to tackle complex, real-world challenges in sectors such as government, health, education, environment, and business providing the opportunity to learn how to apply this knowledge to your own practise.
This conference aims to bridge the divide between theoretical systems research and its practical application by providing access to activities designed to enhance your understanding of systems thinking and to update your knowledge on developments within the field. The conference is an opportunity to explore the core principles of systems thinking, from its foundations to the latest emerging topics. As a key focus, bridging the gap between theory and practice will be explored through workshops and presentations on how systems thinking is being used to tackle complex, real-world challenges in sectors such as government, health, education, environment, and business providing the opportunity to learn how to apply this knowledge to your own practise.
Attendees can look forward to case studies, interactive workshops, training sessions as well as insightful sessions providing instruction on systems approaches and poster presentations. These sessions aim to support learning of concepts, tools, and techniques to inform decision making, drive effective change, understand complex problems, and engage stakeholders meaningfully. Panel speakers, including Patrick Hoverstadt, Professor Mike Jackson, Professor Kathy Kotiadis, and Alison Gunthrie-Wren will discuss key topics in systems thinking and answer questions from attendees.
A fantastic line up of keynote speakers including Mike Burrows, Kim Warren, Denis Fischbacher-Smith, Gillian Harrison, Carla Owen, Benjamin Taylor, John Seddon, Bartley Madden, Ellen Lewis, Juanita Bernal Alvarado, and Angela Espinosa, will present their expertise on the application and development of Systems Thinking. In addition to this, attendees will have entry to the prestigious annual Mike Jackson lecture on Wednesday 25 March, where Sir John Kay will present his work.
In bringing together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners, and consultants, we aim to foster educational opportunities and fresh perspectives, based on the SCiO framework for professional development as well as the assessment criteria for the Level 7 systems thinking apprenticeship. Whether you are deeply embedded in systems practice or systems curious, this is a moment to come together and help shape the future of the field whilst developing your own understanding and skills.
There will be a special issue of the journal, Systems, which will provide an opportunity for participants to share their work with the wider systems community as well as providing a written record of some of new developments and perspectives that emerge from the conference.Call for abstracts
The call for abstracts is now closed.
Contributors were updated on the status of their proposal in January 2026. If you have not received this communication, please email: Systems.Conference@hull.ac.uk
The call for abstracts is now closed.
Contributors were updated on the status of their proposal in January 2026. If you have not received this communication, please email: Systems.Conference@hull.ac.uk
Registration now open
We encourage you to secure your ticket as soon as possible as tickets are selling out fast!
We encourage you to secure your ticket as soon as possible as tickets are selling out fast!