2024 Conference
2024 Cornell University International Systems Thinking Conference
Conference Dates: May 20-21, 2024 Online
Conference Theme: UpThinking
Welcome to the conference website for the 2024 International Systems Thinking Conference at Cornell University. This year’s theme is, “UpThinking” building off of the universality of thinking and our increasing need to find a path towards improving our skills in it. This year’s conference showcases the breadth and depth of the application of thinking (DSRP Theory), systems leadership (VMCL Theory), advances in the science of thinking, new empirical developments, and new project work from graduate students from the Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy.
Based on the reach and success of last year’s conference, this year’s conference will be an entirely online event, sponsored by Cornell University in Ithaca New York. It will therefore be available to a global audience online. The 2023 International Cornell Systems Thinking Conference had an audience of over 5000 people and we are hoping this year’s conference will top that, and break our record as the largest conference of its kind.
The 2024 International Systems Thinking Conference is organized by accomplished graduate students in the Systems Thinking, Modeling, and Leadership (STML) Certificate in the Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) in the Brooks School of Public Policy. We are excited to once-again assemble an array of impressive research scientists, practitioners and students in the field for this year’s conference. We are also excited to highlight the work of graduate students throughout the conference as speakers, moderators, and panelists.
About the Conference Theme: UpThinking
Think. At the core of thinking are four simple rules that underly human cognition. These patterns of thinking are foundational. “Thinking” is something everyone does every day about seemingly mundane everyday problems and seemingly intractable social problems. Our research into thinking, as a skill, shows that it can be taught and learned. Thinking isn’t only a skill needed for advanced scientists at the cutting edge and policy makers solving wicked problems. It’s something everyone can improve to improve their work and their world. Thus, the conference is designed for novices and experts, scientists and practitioners.
Growth. Contrary to popular belief, thinking is an active process. Thinking is the engine behind every single one of our actions and outcomes. This is why the theme of this year’s conference is UpThinking. We explore how to improve and level up thinking in any person. A path to better outcomes starts with better thinking.
Registration
Registration is for the online event. Registration is limited so be sure to reserve your spot. The conference is free, virtual, and recordings of the event will be available only to registrants after the event.
Schedule of Events
May 20th | Speaker |
| 9:00 – 9:10 a.m. | Opening Remarks by Dr. Laura Cabrera |
| 9:10 – 10:00 a.m. | Dr. Iain McGilchrist: Master and His Emissary |
10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | Dr. Derek Cabrera: What is UpThinking? |
| 10:50 – 11:40 a.m. | Polarization & Current Events Panel: Amber Ingwell, Brandon Nadig |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Dr. Gianni DiMarco: Cognitive Biases |
| 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. | BREAK |
| 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. | Johannes Borge: The Hope of UpThinking |
| 1:50 – 2:40 p.m. | Climate Policy Panel: Ahsan Kibria, Emily Han, Emiriana Stanishja |
| 2:40 – 3:30 p.m. | Systems Leadership Panel: Margaret Weis, Janet Shin |
| 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. | Michael Collins: Applying Systems Thinking to Cybersecurity |
| 4:20 – 4:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks by Drs. Derek & Laura Cabrera |
May 21st | Speaker |
| 9:00 – 9:10 a.m. | Opening Remarks by Dr. Derek Cabrera |
| 9:10 – 10:00 a.m. | Dr. Laura Cabrera: Development and Application of the Thinking Quotient (TQ) |
| 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | Cornell University STML Certificate Panel: Effects of Thinking Tools Decision Making Abilities (Jenifer Bustamante, Amber Ingwell, Margaret Weis) |
| 10:50 – 11:40 a.m. | Dr. Dave Silberman: A New Approach to PTSD |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Social Policy & Education Panel: Paidamoyo Mudangwe, Leo Hull, Jenifer Bustamante |
| 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks with Drs. Laura & Derek Cabrera |
*Featured speakers will give a 30-minute talk followed by a 15-minute moderated Q & A; panels are three 10-minute presentations followed by a 15-minute moderated Q & A.
**All times are Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Featured Speakers
We have an exciting lineup of speakers. Our speakers are a collection of truly remarkable individuals – a mix of scientists and practitioners in the art and science of systems – who have experience pushing the boundaries of systems thinking, systems mapping, and systems leadership and working in some of the most complex environments.
Sponsors
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