Ray Ison

Ray Ison First joined To fill Title Member Affiliation Open University, UK; University of Sydney Notable works Pioneering research in systems practice, environmental decision-making, second-order R&D, participative ecodesign, and grassland systems eco-physiology. Interest in SIGs Systems Thinking, Cybernetics, Environmental Decision Making Degree(s) PhD in Systems Field(s) of study Systems Science, Environmental Sciences University(ies) University of Queensland, The Open University, University of Sydney Specialization(s) Systems Thinking and Practice, Environmental Science ORCID [ORCID Number] Notable Awards or Achievements Significant contributions to systems thinking, development of second-order R&D, involvement in the CARR project, and work on participative ecodesign. Links [Relevant Links]

Ray Ison has joined ISSS in 19XX. He/She is .....

Academia and Career

Education

  * 1971-1974: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BScAgr) at the University of Sydney.
  * 1978-1982: PhD student in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Queensland. During this period, he also worked as a Research Assistant and Tutor in Crop Sciences and Biometrics.

Early Career

   * 1965-1985: Involved with his parents' grazing property on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales.
   * 1975-1976: Soil Conservationist with the New South Wales Soil Conservation Service in Braidwood, NSW.
   * 1978-1979: Australian Asian Universities Cooperation Scheme (AAUCS) Visiting Scholar at Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.
   * 1976-1977: Travelled and worked in South-East and South West Asia and Europe.

Academic Positions

   * 1982-1986: Lecturer in Pastures in Farming Systems at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Richmond, NSW, Australia (now University of Western Sydney).
   * 1986-1988: Lecturer in Grassland Systems, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sydney.
   * 1989-1993: Senior Lecturer in Grassland Systems, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sydney. During this period, he initiated significant research in second-order R&D and participative ecodesign.
   * 1994-2008: Full-time Professor of Systems at The Open University, UK, Milton Keynes. He led the Systems Department, contributing significantly to curriculum development and the integration of systems thinking in practice.
   * 2008-2015: Professor of Systems for Sustainability at the Monash Sustainability Institute, Monash University, Australia. He established and led the Systemic Governance Research Program.
   * 2008-Present: Professor of Systems at The Open University, Milton Keynes, U.K. Initially, he was on a 0.5 fractional appointment until 2017, and then it was increased to 0.7.

Professor Ray Ison's career has been dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of systems thinking in various domains, particularly in agricultural and environmental contexts. His interdisciplinary approach and collaborative efforts have significantly impacted both academic research and practical applications in these fields.