The Systems-Centred Research Hub offers strategic and pragmatic advice, as well as technical support, to strengthen the use of systems thinking in population health research, policy, and practice.
The Systems-Centred Research Hub at the Charles Perkins Centre builds research capacity in systems thinking to address the complexity of contemporary health challenges. Rather than focusing solely on individual behaviours, systems thinking examines the underlying structural determinants of health and the dynamic interactions that shape health outcomes. This approach supports the development of more effective, equitable and sustainable solutions for health and wellbeing.
The Hub supports research teams to strengthen the conceptualisation and understanding of complex health problems; identify root and interacting causes and levers for change; develop integrated, systems-responsive solutions; and apply systems-informed evaluation approaches that more fully capture the impact of large-scale initiatives, including unintended consequences.
This project uses participatory systems mapping with a broad range of stakeholders to explore the complex, interacting determinants of physical activity among adults and young people in NSW.
Using system dynamics simulation modelling, this project examines whether current policy settings can close the gender gap in physical activity participation in NSW by 2035.
The Hub has an interdisciplinary focus and supports research across all areas of population health where outcomes are shaped by complex, interacting influences. It works with researchers at all career stages to enhance the impact and translation of Charles Perkins Centre research by embedding systems thinking across health research and practice.. The Hub also welcomes and supports engagement with policymakers and community-based practitioners who are interested in applying systems approaches to real-world health challenges. By strengthening understanding of how complex systems shape health outcomes, the Hub supports research teams to move beyond linear problem framings towards approaches that reflect real-world complexity.
The Hub’s work is organised around two complementary streams: capacity building and research collaboration. Capacity-building activities include workshops and training events, mentoring, and support for incorporating systems thinking into research and practice. The research collaboration stream focuses on supporting grant development, providing advice and expertise in systems mapping and modelling, and integrating systems approaches into research projects and proposals. Together, these activities support the development, application, and evaluation of systems-informed approaches that respond to the complexity of public health challenges.
The Systems-Centred Research Hub works closely with a wide range of partners across government, community and non-government sectors. This includes stakeholders in education, sport, planning and environment, transport, local health districts and local governments. The Hub also collaborates with community-based and non-government organisations that are applying systems approaches in practice. Looking ahead, the Hub aims to expand and deepen these partnerships, fostering co-production and sustained collaboration to support systems-centred research that drives meaningful, real-world impact.
