The 2016 Cornell Systems Thinking Symposium focuses on the application of the fourth wave of systems thinking to a diverse set of critical problems, with special attention devoted to complex problems in both public policy and water.

The fourth wave of systems thinking identifies four simple rules that underlie the diverse set of methodologies, tools, theories, and practices that constitute the field of systems thinking. These four rules—making distinctions and recognizing systems, relationships, and perspectives (DSRP)—can be easily taught and applied in any domain, whether to analyze and solve problems of daily living or high-stakes, complex problems involving competing interests and multiple actors.

The symposium’s unique format features impactful 10-minute TED-style talks and award-winning multi-media content. The symposium combines academics with seasoned practitioners working on complex problems to discuss their experiences applying the 4th wave of systems thinking (DSRP). After a keynote presentation by Cornell faculty and systems theorist Derek Cabrera, top graduate fellows from the Cornell Institute of Public Affairs and the recipients of the 2016 USDA ThinkWater Fellowship will give talks on how the application of systems thinking/DSRP has influenced their ongoing water and policy efforts at the masters, doctoral, postdoctoral, and faculty level of research. Throughout the day, a variety of expert practitioners in their field—from the US Military Academy at West Point and Department of State to Coordinator of Arizona Project Wet (youth environmental education programming) to Extension-based outreach coordinators to leaders in water research and policy at the state and national level—will share their insights from applying systems thinking in their work.