Complex systems theory, political science, sustainability science, and participatory research all offer valuable tools and insights for decision makers – but are too often siloed or locked away in academia. Dr Nazia M. Habib started the Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development to meet the urgent need to embed complex system thinking, creative design, political economics and related disciplines, into policy and strategy development in a way that is fast, accessible and usable by decision makers in the public and private sectors. 

As such, we are dedicated to transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, as well as ‘action research’  to utilise cutting edge analysis and project design to deliver effective, transformative and resilient outcomes for governments and industry. 

We highly value experiential knowledge, viewing it as a valuable asset in the action-research process. We also believe that training practitioners in systems based thinking is an important part of our role as researchers. 

We deliver our research and activities through a variety of workshops and outputs tailored to specific needs of partners. This includes workshops, seminars, courses, academic papers, challenge notes, case studies, in-depth project reports and blogs.

Our approach includes dedication to: 

• Scientific Rigour: We aim to infuse "sustainability" and "sustainable development" with robust systems based  analysis, bridging the gap between reductionist  and holistic and complex perspectives of global challenges.
• Action-Research: Embracing a systematic, collective, and self-reflective approach, our action research involves both researchers and participants collaborating  to solve practical problems. Unlike traditional research paradigms, end users contributing to research design, data collection and solution generation, with research findings directly channelled back to improve the situation under scrutiny.
• Transformative Actions: Rooted in scientific evidence, we advocate for urgent actions to balance global production and consumption, ensuring equity, sustainability, and well-being. We draw inspiration from worldwide solution proposals, grassroots changes, and collaborative efforts among civil society, researchers, and private sectors, especially noting the progressive strides of SMEs and startups towards a resilient economy.