Born at Cornell University, our research lab does basic and applied research, designs innovative tools and technologies, and facilitates public understanding in four areas: Systems Thinking (cognitive complexity), Systems Mapping (visual complexity), Systems Leadership (organizational complexity), and Systems Science (ontological complexity).

We are committed to facilitating public understanding. We've developed several ways that you can learn systems thinking, mapping, and leadership from the very best research in the field.

Live or online and for individuals and organizations, we provide short keynote talks, intensive skills courses, LinkedIn Learning courses, Cornell credit and certification, and train-the-trainer and advanced certification, in Systems Thinking, Mapping, and Leadership.

Courses & Certifications

Our publications: Systems Thinking Made Simple and Flock Not Clock

Used at Cornell University and the US Military Academy at West Point among others, we wrote the books on Systems Thinking, Systems Mapping, and Systems Leadership. We effort mightily to ensure that our books are scientifically sound and publicly accessible.

Books & Publications

STMI, the only personal inventory for systems thinking and metacognition

As a design and innovation lab, we know that systems thinkers need valid testing and technical tools to do their work. We are committed to developing practical and powerful tools for Systems Thinkers from validated assessments, to software, to tactile manipulatives.

Testing & Tools

With research funded by NSF, USDA, Cornell, and others, we try to make our findings and as much of our work as freely accessible as possible. We believe knowledge wants to be free. Browse our Blog or InfoBase and get support on your Systems Thinking journey.

Information & Resources

About Our Lab

Our Lab is fond of the adage, "There's nothing more practical than a good theory." We focus on deep theory and basic research that is also pragmatic and applicable to everyday lives. We look for projects that bridge our scientific research with real-world, practical, everyday experience. We work with excellent teams of excellent people. We don't just think the theories, we execute the empirical research, and we innovate and design tools that make lives better and increase human potential and organizational effectiveness.

About Our Faculty

Derek Cabrera, PhD

An internationally known author and systems scientist, Derek serves on the faculty of Cornell University and the Board of Advisors DSE at the US Military Academy at West Point...

Derek's Bio

Laura Cabrera, PhD

An expert in research methods and systems thinking, Laura serves on the faculty of Cornell University where she teaches systems thinking, mapping, and leadership...

Laura's Bio

The Impact of Our Research is Global and Diverse

We're proud that the value of our research spans the public and private and for-profit and nonprofit sectors. That our work effects individuals and organizations from international NGOs to small, rural schools to the executive suite of the Fortune 100. From social-change initiatives to university research labs to government agencies to tech startups to Blue Chips to Silicon Valley's unicorns... It is a diverse and global group, but here are few of the amazing folks we are proud to work with...