Presentation

Irene Blanco Gutiérrez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and a researcher at the Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM), Spain. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Engineering (UPM), with research stays at UC Davis, and MSc degrees in Agrifood Economics (University of Montpellier 1) and Agrifood Policies (CIHEAM Montpellier).
She teaches Applied Microeconomics, Agricultural Policy and Rural Development, and Bioeconomy at UPM. She has also been an invited lecturer in France (CIHEAM Montpellier), Italy (CIHEAM Bari), Germany (Humboldt University), the UK (University of Leeds), the USA (UCLA), Colombia (Universidad de Santander), and the Dominican Republic (Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo).
Her research has been conducted across Europe, North Africa, and Latin America. She has led competitive research projects funded by the EU and the Spanish government, and collaborated with international organizations such as FAO and CEPAL, addressing issues related to water management, climate change, ecosystem conservation, and food security.
She serves as Associate Editor for Irrigation Science and the Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, and as an expert evaluator for research and innovation programs including the EU Framework Programme, the Austrian Science Fund, the Polish National Science Centre, and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

What I can bring to this network ?

Research and teaching experience in systems science applied to water and agriculture.
Active involvement in research networks and collaboration with the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA), led by UPM, aimed at advancing a common model for European engineering education.
Publications and practical tools for systems analysis with real-world applications.

What I seek in this network ?

I seek opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint research at both global and regional levels. I am particularly interested in learning from others’ policy-relevant experiences in tackling complex sustainability challenges, and in exploring how to translate these insights into education, through innovative training programs and academic partnerships that empower future decision-makers.

Presentation

I am an agronomist, agrometeorologist, and crop modeller with a focus on the impacts of climate change on food security. Currently, I am working as a postdoctoral researcher, exploring how climate shifts affect agricultural systems and food availability. I am passionate about using interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex challenges in agriculture and working towards sustainable solutions. I look forward to engaging with the community of practice at this workshop, where we can collaborate, share knowledge, and develop innovative strategies for resilient, sustainable agri-food futures.

What I can bring to this network ?

Given my background as an agronomist, agrometeorologist, and crop modeller, I bring a strong understanding of how climate change impacts agricultural systems and food security. My interdisciplinary approach allows me to bridge the gap between science, policy, and practical solutions. I am eager to contribute my research and insights into sustainable agricultural practices, while also learning from and collaborating with others in this network. Together, we can work towards creating resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, especially in regions facing climate-related challenges.

What I seek in this network ?

In this network, I seek to expand my understanding of global and regional challenges in agriculture, land, and water systems, particularly in the context of climate change. I am eager to collaborate with fellow experts from diverse disciplines to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for food security. Additionally, I hope to engage in capacity-building efforts and exchange knowledge that can be applied in both research and practical settings, especially in Africa and Mediterranean regions where these challenges are most pressing.

Presentation

Santiago Lopez-Ridaura: Mexican agronomist with more than 20 years of experience on the evaluation and design of more sustainable agricultural systems at different levels of analysis. With more than 60 scientific publications in a wide diversity of topics, his main area of expertise is around the sustainability of small-scale farming systems, ex-ante and ex-post multicriteria assessment, natural resource management, agroecology and food and nutritional security. He has led and participated in several projects worldwide related to the development and implementation of agricultural innovations and integrated farming systems research with a wide diversity of partners and students. He is currently a principal scientist in the Sustainable Agri-food Systems Program of CIMMYT

What I can bring to this network ?

Expertise on methods and tools for systems analysis. Experiences in different contexts on the application of systems analysis methods and tools.

What I seek in this network ?

Collaboration with other disciplines

Presentation

Systems Agronomist dedicated to enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and improving smallholder farmer productivity in through advanced research in integrated soil fertility management and climate change adaptation.

What I can bring to this network ?

To engage with COPSYS to collaborate on interdisciplinary research and systems-based approaches, leveraging my expertise to drive innovative solutions for sustainable agri-food systems and address complex challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Contribution to tool development and implementation on systems analysis and design with a focus on smallholder production in the tropics. I will contribute expertise in agro-ecological practices, innovative research, or community engagement to strengthen the contribution the network

What I seek in this network ?

Gaining access to interdisciplinary expertise, collaborative research opportunities, and innovative systems science approaches that enhance your my in sustainable agri-food systems, enabling me to develop more effective solutions for food security, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability while expanding your professional connections and influence in the field.

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.