Systems analysis is a quantitative and multidisciplinary research field aimed at combining, interpreting and communicating knowledge from natural and social sciences, and technology. Environmental systems analysis is the application of systems analysis in the environmental field to describe and analyse the causes, mechanisms, effects of, and potential solution for specific environmental problems.

Our mission is the improvement of concepts and methods for environmental systems analysis, with a special emphasis on:

• The behaviour of large scale models;
• Methods for uncertainty analysis;
• Upscaling of scientific findings from small to large scale;
• (Participatory) integrated assessment / environmental impact assessment;
• Environmental function analysis and conflict analysis;
• Integrated cost-benefit analysis of multifunctional land (and water) use;
• Decision support systems (including ecological-economic modelling).

The Environmental Systems Analysis Group is developing environmental systems analysis along two research lines: a Substance Approach and a Regional Approach.