How do you establish a comprehensive overview of a complex policy question? Which tools do you use to simulate interactions between various perspectives? And how can you avoid unintended consequences? Join us at the POLDER launch event and gain insights into the world of complexity theory. POLDER is a research initiative based at the UvA Institute for Advanced Study. By utilizing complexity theory and computation modelling we unravel complexity, uncovering the causalities and unintended consequences of policy interventions. By designing evidence-based interfaces we allow policymakers to simulate interventions and observe the emergent behavior in the system.

In our research we closely collaborate with policymakers, as to bridge the scientific realm into policymaking. During the event Albert Faber, senior policy advisor at the Dutch Scientific Council for Climate Policy, will talk about the nexus between science and policy in dealing with complex issues. Albert has formerly worked at the ministry of Foreign Affairs and is currently part of the team that is setting up a science-based advisory organ for climate policies.

During the event you are invited to join an interactive Group Model Building (GMB) session and get a firsthand experience of participatory modelling. GMB is a methodology rooted in complexity theory. Through participatory sessions with stakeholders an encompassing understanding of the system is forged, forming the basis for further research. GMB approach serves a twofold purpose, both informing research as well as stimulating interdisciplinary exchange between stakeholders.

We look forward at welcoming you at the Sustainalab on the Amsterdam Sciencepark. Together we will take a peek through the lens of complexity and leave you with a new perspective on approaching wicked problems.

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