2025 Conference
2025 Cornell University International Systems Thinking Conference
Conference Dates: May 1-2, 2025 Online
Conference Theme: Connect the Dots
Welcome to the official website for the 2025 International Systems Thinking Conference at Cornell University. This year’s theme, “Connect the Dots,” highlights the growing necessity to understand interconnectedness, recognize the nuances in defining the “dots,” and explore the underlying webs of causality that shape what we perceive.
The conference will showcase the latest applications of Systems Thinking (DSRP Theory), Systems Leadership (VMCL Theory), advancements in the science of thinking, emerging empirical developments, and groundbreaking graduate student research from the Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy.
A Global, Online Experience
Building on the reach and success of last year’s event, the 2025 conference will be held entirely online, allowing participants from around the world to engage with leading experts and cutting-edge research. The 2024 International Cornell Systems Thinking Conference attracted over 7,000 participants, making it not only the largest systems thinking conference but the largest thinking conference of its kind! This year, we aim to surpass that record.
Organized by Future Systems Leaders
The 2025 International Systems Thinking Conference is organized by distinguished graduate students in the Systems Thinking, Modeling, and Leadership (STML) Certificate program within the Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) at the Brooks School of Public Policy. This year’s event will bring together an impressive array of research scientists, practitioners, and students to share insights and innovative applications of systems thinking. Graduate students will play an active role as speakers, moderators, and panelists throughout the conference.
The 2025 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: Connect the Dots
Webs of Causality. Research demonstrates that people are often biased toward overly simplistic, linear, and singular causal explanations, despite reality being inherently multi-causal. Our solutions, departments, and lives frequently operate in silos, leading to fragmentation and the persistence of complex, unresolved problems.
Connect the Dots. At the core of human cognition are four simple rules of thinking (DSRP). These patterns of thought form the foundation of how we perceive and engage with the world. Thinking isn’t just for experts solving wicked problems—it’s a universal skill that can be taught, learned, and improved. The conference is designed for everyone, from novices to experts, scientists to practitioners, offering insights on how improving thinking can enhance both individual performance and societal outcomes. There are specific things you can do to “connect the dots.”
The Connections are Dots. One of the groundbreaking ideas of DSRP Theory is the realization that “connections themselves are dots.” The ability to recognize both the dots (elements) and the connections between them as dots is essential for constructing accurate mental models of reality. In other words, “dots” function as both nouns and verbs, reinforcing the dynamic and relational nature of systems thinking.
Registration
Join us for this transformative event, where we will explore how thinking better can change the world. Whether you are a researcher, educator, policymaker, business leader, or student, this conference offers valuable insights into systems thinking and leadership that will empower you to make a difference.
Schedule of Events
May 1st | Speaker |
| 9:00 – 9:10 a.m. | Opening Remarks by Dr. Laura Cabrera |
9:10 – 10:00 a.m.
| Dr. Derek Cabrera: From One Cause to Webs of Causality: Empirical Evidence for a Cognitive Framework to Solve Wicked Problems |
10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | Carlos Pompa: Advancing Learning and Development Through Systems Thinking |
10:50 – 11:40 a.m. | Redefining Success: Towards an Adaptive Educational System (Panel) |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Systemic Breakdown: Unpacking Layers of the American Health Crisis (Panel) |
| 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. | BREAK |
| 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. | Threads of Struggle: Mapping the Web of the Working Poor (Panel) |
| 1:50 – 2:40 p.m. | From Division to Connection: Tackling Political Polarization Head-On (Panel) |
| 2:40 – 3:30 p.m. | Connecting the Dots: Uniting Solutions for the Climate Crisis (Panel) |
| 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. | Michael Collins: Systems Thinking in Cyber Security: Connecting the Digital Dots |
| 4:20 – 4:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks by Drs. Derek & Laura Cabrera |
May 2nd | Speaker |
| 9:00 – 9:10 a.m. | Opening Remarks by Dr. Derek Cabrera |
| 9:10 – 10:00 a.m. | Dr. Laura Cabrera: Webs of Webs: A Systematic Literature Review of Causal Interconnections in Policy and Beyond |
10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
| Dr. Dave Silberman: The PTSD Journey Map: A Readiness Protocol for the Injured, Their Families and Helping Professionals |
| 10:50 – 11:40 a.m. | Dr. Kristin Vincenzes: DSRP Therapy |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Shale Norwitz: Rewiring the Narrative: Neurodiversity Through the Lenses of Agency and Advocacy |
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 – 1:50 p.m 1:50 – 2:40 p.m. 2:40 – 3:30 p.m.
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. | BREAK George Brontén: Connecting the Dots In Complex Sales Christina Carlson: Creativity Won’t Lead Itself: Why Developing Leaders is the Missing Link Dr. Derek Cabrera: Popularity Without Proof? Closing Remarks by Drs. Derek & Laura 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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