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
0000-0001-9191-119X
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.
Professor Ray Ison, an esteemed academic in the fields of systems thinking and environmental science, has made significant contributions throughout his career.
Originating from Australia, he has been actively involved in academic and research roles across various institutions. His work has been influential in shaping practices and theories in his areas of expertise, and he has been recognized for his contributions with several awards and honors. For more detailed information about his personal life, origins, and career, please refer to his professional profiles and biographies available online.
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.
Special Interests
Video Presentations
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Selected Publications
* Louis Klein, Pamela Buckle, Nam Nguyen, Rika Preiser, Ray Ison (2023-11): "Navigating the polycrisis—governing for transformation: The 2024 agenda for the systems community."
* Yongping Wei, Shuanglei Wu, Zhixiang Lu, Ray Ison, Andrew Western, Murugesu Sivapalan (2023-07-04): "Unfolding the complexity in water reallocation decision-making in the Heihe River Basin, China."
* Louis Klein, Pamela Buckle, Nam Nguyen, Rika Preiser, Ray Ison (2022-11): "Growing a community of conversation and understanding: The 2023 agenda for the systems community."
* Madeline R. Shelton, Joannette J. Bos, Kevin B. Collins, Ray L. Ison, Benjamin L. Iaquinto (2022-07-03): "Characterising water sensitive cities through inquiry-based learning systems."
* Catherine Allan, Ray L. Ison, Ross Colliver, Laura Mumaw, Moragh Mackay, Luisa Perez-Mujica, Philip Wallis (2020-07-03): "Jumping Off the treadmill: transforming NRM to systemic governing with systemic co-inquiry."
* Sandro Luis Schlindwein, Ray Ison (2020-01): "Confronting total systemic failure? The May 2018 truckers' strike in Brazil."
* Natalie Foster, Ray Ison, Chris Blackmore, Kevin Collins (2019-09-03): "Revisiting deliberative policy analysis through systemic co-inquiry: some experiences from the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in England."
* Yiheyis Taddele Maru, Ashley Sparrow, James R.A. Butler, Onil Banerjee, Ray Ison, Andy Hall, Peter Carberry (2018-09): "Towards appropriate mainstreaming of “Theory of Change” approaches into agricultural research for development: Challenges and opportunities."
* Ray Ison, Jason Alexandra, Phil Wallis (2018-09-14): "Governing in the Anthropocene: are there cyber-systemic antidotes to the malaise of modern governance?"
* Yongping Wei, Ison Ray, Western Andrew W, Lu Zhixiang (2018-08): "Understanding ourselves and the environment in which we live."
