The landmark conference on Systems Thinking and Systems Practice, hosted by the University of Hull Centre for Systems Studies (CSS), SCiO, and The OR Society, successfully bridged the gap between theoretical research and practical application. Shaped by input from the UK Government’s Systems Thinking Interest Group and IFSR, the event brought together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners, and a significant number of young practitioners to explore core principles and emerging topics across sectors like government, health, and business.
The program featured a robust line up of keynote speakers, including Sir John Kay delivering the prestigious Mike Jackson lecture, alongside interactive workshops and panel discussions designed to develop systems thinking skills. Attendees engaged with case studies, training sessions, and poster presentations to learn how to apply systems approaches to complex real-world challenges. The gathering concluded with a call to shape the future of the field, with a special issue of the journal Systems planned to document the new developments and perspectives that emerged from the event.
More information is available here: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/8eNd4w6/2026-conference-systems-thinking-and-systems-practice-5a1oWS7bIzd/overview
