2026 Conference: Systems Thinking and Systems Practice

Hosted by the University of Hull Centre for Systems Studies (CSS), Systems and Complexity in Organisation (SCiO), The OR Society and IFSR.

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 connect with others across the field, share different perspectives, and explore the future of systems practice.

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.

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 Guthrie-Wrenn 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.

All refreshments and social event attendance are included within the ticket price.

Abstracts

This conference aims to do things differently, bringing together in lively debate systems academics and public and private sector systems practitioners. We've received numerous proposals for:

• Introductory training sessions for the systems curious
• Interactive workshops using systems thinking to address real-life predicaments
• Case studies showing systems thinking in practice
• Papers advancing systems theory and systems methodologies
• Poster presentations demonstrating systems thinking in practice

No matter your level of experience, you’ll find sessions that challenge, inspire, and connect you to a vibrant systems community.

Preference has been given to proposals that bring together theory and practice in innovative and engaging ways suitable for a conference that combines researchers and practitioners of varying levels of experience. Enquiries about abstracts should be made to: @email:

Registration open

We invite you to join us for an engaging and insightful gathering dedicated to advancing the theory and practice of Systems Thinking.

This year's conference will feature a diverse and interactive programme designed to foster collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge exchange. Attendees can look forward to a rich agenda with a variety of session formats, such as keynote speakers, presentations, practical workshops, fireside chats, and networking opportunities. The event is curated to bring together the vibrant community of academics, practitioners, and apprentices and all in between in Systems Thinking to find out what emerges!

We encourage you to secure your place early to take advantage of our discounted early-bird registration rate - early-bird registrations close on Fri 23rd January 2026.

The conference begins at 12 noon on Monday 24 March and closes at 2.30pm on Wednesday 26 March 2026 with the opportunity to join the Mike Jackson Lecture and Dinner on the evening of 25th. 

A detailed programme is accessible at the conference web site: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/8eNd4w6/2026-conference-systems-thinking-and-systems-practice-5a1oWS7bIzd/sessions?t=202603241830