This second session focuses on the practical application of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) within public-health research and practice. Drawing on practical examples, the session will reflect on how SSM supports systemic learning, dialogue and purposeful action in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Who will this workshop benefit?

• Researchers and public-health professionals interested in systems approaches to community-based projects.
• Practitioners working with multi-agency or cross-sector collaborations.
• Students exploring applied methods for understanding and improving complex systems.

Aim of the session

To demonstrate how SSM can be applied in practice to explore, interpret and learn from complex public-health systems and community initiatives.

Objectives of the workshop

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Understand how SSM has been employed within public health contexts.
• Recognise the role of stakeholder engagement, reflection, and dialogue in generating shared understanding and purposeful change through the application of SSM.
• Identify the benefits and opportunities that SSM offers for enhancing systemic learning and collaboration in public health.

What will we cover in this session?

• Recap of key ideas from Session 1.
• Practical example of SSM including the various stage of discovery questions, data collection, and modelling.
• Reflections on the value of SSM for learning and change in public health.
• Discussion: opportunities for using SSM in other health-system contexts.

When?

4 February 2026, 10-30 - 12:30 (GMT)