Deep Thinking on Systems and Complexity

This professional dialogue will exploring how deeper conceptual thinking about systems and complexity can inform real-world action to transform food systems. This session will bring together leading thinkers and practitioners to discuss how complexity science, systems practice, and ecological insights can be applied to one of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Speakers Dr. Jean Boulton – a complexity scientist, strategic advisor and visiting academic at the University of Bath and Cranfield School of Management. With a background in theoretical physics, she has spent over three decades helping organizations and policymakers apply complexity thinking to strategy, sustainability and systemic change.

She is lead author of Embracing Complexity and The Dao of Complexity, and is widely recognized for translating complex systems theory into practical, real-world insights. Dr. Corinna Hawkes – is Director of the Division of Agrifood Systems and Food Safety at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where she leads global initiatives to transform food systems for better nutrition, health and sustainability.

She previously directed the Centre for Food Policy at City, University of London, and is widely recognized for her work on food systems, healthy diets and evidence-informed policy. Her leadership focuses on bringing systems thinking into practice to drive coherent and equitable food system change.

Dr. Tom Oliver – Professor of Applied Ecology at the University of Reading, works at the interface of biodiversity, environmental risk and complex systems. He has advised the UK government, the European Commission and other expert bodies on environmental policy and resilience. Tom is also the author of the forthcoming book The Self Delusion, which explores the science of interconnectedness and its implications for society and sustainability.

Programme 15:00 | Official Welcome - Professor Lisa Methven 15:05

 Introduction – Dr. Jim Woodhill, Director, Agrifood Systems and Futures Hub (5 min) 15:10

 Presentation – Dr. Jean Boulton: What Does Complexity Science and Systems Thinking Offer to Change Makers in Difficult Times 15:25

 Presentation – Dr. Corinna Hawkes: Putting Systems Approaches into Practice for Transforming the Food System – Challenges and Opportunities 15:40

 Response – Professor Tom Oliver: Implications for Our Work at Reading 15:45

 Panel Discussion and Open Q&A 14:45

 Final Reflections – Professor Carol Wagstaff 17:00

Close, followed by drinks reception and networking – Blandford Room (Park House)

For more details, please contact: madelyn.dynes@reading.ac.uk