Presentation

My research concerns how today's sustainability challenges are negotiated and turned into practice, with a core focus on smallholder farming. I study how proposed policies and technologies are turned into practice and I try to understand the discursive and material structures and processes that lead to certain outcomes for farmers and the environment. In many of my projects I work with participatory methods with local communities to co-create bottom-up, locally preferred alternatives to dominant discourses.

Geographically most of my research is located in Uganda and South Africa. My research is situated within the fields of political ecology and Science and Technology Studies (STS), drawing broadly on theories from the critical social sciences. I work with discourse analysis combined with ethnographic and participatory methods.

What I can bring to this network ?

Extensive experience of interdisciplinary collaboration. Competence in policy analysis, participatory and ethnographic methods.

What I seek in this network ?

Connection with other researchers interested in interdisciplinary research. broadening my horizons and finding new contacts.

Presentation

Mario Ballesteros-Olza is a researcher at IMDEA Water Institute, within the Economic and Institutional Analysis Group. He holds a degree in Environmental Sciences, a Master’s in Sustainable Water Management and a PhD in Economics and Business. His work focuses on water and agricultural economics, climate change adaptation and circular economy, with applications in both rural and urban water systems. He has combined economic analysis, systems modelling and stakeholder engagement to support evidence-based decision-making across several national and European research projects and applied consultancies with institutions such as the EIB, the EC and WWF. He has applied a range of system-oriented methods, including participatory approaches and tools such as Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, to analyse complex interactions between water, agriculture, policy and society.

What I can bring to this network ?

I bring applied experience in the use of systems approaches to address water and agricultural challenges, with a strong focus on bridging research, policy and practice. My work combines participatory and modelling tools, such as Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, to support knowledge elicitation and decision-making processes. I also have experience working closely with stakeholders, public institutions and international organisations in complex socio-ecological contexts.

What I seek in this network ?

I am interested in collaborating around applied systems approaches for water and agricultural challenges, particularly where economic analysis, modelling and stakeholder engagement intersect. I am also keen to explore how AI tools can complement systems thinking and support decision-making in the water sector.

Presentation

Dr. Elisabeth Lagneaux is an Associated Senior Researcher at the Wyss Academy for Nature engaged in interdisciplinary research projects on agroecology. Having lived in the Amazon for nearly a decade, her work has focused on farming systems, deforestation, and restoration strategies. Elisabeth is also an Associate Scientist at the International Potato Center and is affiliated with Wageningen University and Research, where she explores the use of Serious Games to support transformation in agroforestry landscapes. In 2025, she was appointed Vice-President of the International Union for Agroforestry (IUAF). She is a fellow and alumni of the Foundation of German Business (SDW).

What I can bring to this network ?

Experience with various qualitative and participatory research methods for systems analysis, and knowledge on farming systems in the Peruvian Amazon.

What I seek in this network ?

To learn from other researchers, share about my experiences, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration and horizontal exchange.

Presentation

Prof. (Dr) Alex Koutsouris serves in the Unit of Agricultural Extension, Rural Systems & Rural Sociology, Dept. of Agricultural Economics & Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens. Specialist in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), Innovation Support Services (ISS), interactive innovation (and) communication; agricultural education/training; and, sustainable rural development with emphasis on participatory methods. He has published and presented papers on the abovementioned topics, been guest co-editor in scientific journals and publications and served as a member of the boards of relevant scientific societies and international conferences and meetings. Among others, he has been the President of the steering committees of IFSA (International Farming Systems Association-European Group), ESEE (European Society/Seminar of Extension Education) and ETAGRO (The Hellenic Association of Agricultural Economists) as well as of the Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO) DIMITRA. He has also been an expert with FAO, The World Bank, the Strategic Working Group AKIS (EU Standing Committee on Agricultural Research), member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of PRIMA and member of the Board of GFRAS (Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services). Currently, he is member of the Editorial Committee (past co-editor), The Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension, and member of the Board EUFRAS (European Forum for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services) and cooperating expert with the EU CAP Evaluation Helpdesk. He participates/ed in several research and collaboration projects including the HORIZON projects: ATTRACTISS (2022-2028), TEAPOTS (2024-2027), AgroFossilFree (2020-2023), AGRI-LINK (2017-2021), AgriDemo-F2F (2017-2019), AGRISPIN (2015-2017); member of the International Advisory Boards of the HORIZON projects NEFERTITI, NEWBIE and modernAKIS. Past projects include, among others, PRO-AKIS (2013-2014), CORASON (2004-2006), and LEARNing (2002-2005).

What I can bring to this network ?

Experience in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and Innovation Support Services (ISS) gained through a series of HORIZON projects and publications.

What I seek in this network ?

Further acquaintance with systems thinking and practice. Involvement in projects, if relevant.