How Food and System Dynamics Gave me A Career

A discussion of two System Dynamics projects that had some real impact and then reflect on how this happened, and what needs to be in place for us system dynamicists to have an impact.

Papers mentioned:

• Transforming Food Systems at Local Levels: Using Participatory System Dynamics in an Interactive Manner to Refine Small-Scale Farmers’ Mental Models – read
• Participatory Modeling Updates Expectations for individuals and Groups, Catalyzing BehaviorChange and Collective Action in Water-Energy-Food Nexus Governance – read
• Sustainable and Healthy Diets: Synergies and Trade-offs in Switzerland – read

Download Presentation

Watch the recording below

About the Speaker

Birgit Kopainsky is a systems thinker and modeler who studies the role of System Dynamics analysis and modeling in facilitating transformation processes in social-ecological systems. She aims to provide guidelines for understanding complex dynamic systems and making information on climate change, agriculture, and food security accessible and relevant for action. She works in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa and engages with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve breakthrough moments of understanding and promote change toward resilience and sustainability. She currently works as a full-time professor at the University of Bergen for the Master’s program in System Dynamics.