Ideas
We focus on big ideas that are best explored through an interdisciplinary lens, draw on Stanford’s cutting-edge research, and illuminate the discoveries that are shaping the future. We welcome other curious minds to support and join us on these learning journeys.
What We're Doing
Examining and reporting on the current “state of the scholarship”
Convening experts (scholars and practitioners) from multiple disciplines to explore the Power of Minds
Uncovering key themes, gaps in knowledge, and differences in theory
Identifying new research questions
Moving towards a more integrated understanding of how to practically harness the power of minds.
What We're Doing
Discover what researchers are learning about decision making from a variety of disciplines (e.g., economics, neuroscience, engineering, psychology, etc.) and what the future might hold.
Synthesize the different approaches to understanding decision making across disciplines and their implications for individuals, organizations and society.
Apply new principles, research, and skills to your professional and personal decision making, from choice architecture to crisis communication and decision analysis to design thinking.
What We're Doing
Discover how experts from multiple disciplines (e.g. earth sciences, biology, political science, public policy, law, business, engineering)—and practitioners in the field—are analyzing and addressing global environmental change, and the uncertainties that still remain.
Synthesize diverse perspectives on the sources of risk and resilience within and across earth systems. Examine the respective roles of business, governments and civil society.
Apply new knowledge, strategies, and tools to inform our awareness of global environmental change and boost resilience through further research, policies, and technologies.
What We're Doing
Discover new insights from multiple disciplines (e.g., engineering, psychology, computer science, business, education, law, medicine) about the applications and impacts of big data in business, government, civil society and our individual lives.
Synthesize expert opinions from researchers and Silicon Valley innovators to understand big data's opportunities and challenges. Balance the tradeoffs between individual privacy and security and social value.
Apply strategies for leveraging the potential of big data while managing potential vulnerabilities, both personally and organizationally.
What We're Doing
Discover how the global food system may be affected by uncertainties arising from the evolution of climate change, population growth, consumption patterns and agricultural practices, markets, and policies.
Synthesize research and expert opinions on the future of food by going through a step-by-step scenario planning process, guided by experienced facilitators.
Apply scenario planning tools and techniques to the future of food. Understand how to use scenarios to address a range of strategic issues and decisions that will play out well into the future.
A unique way to connect to a broad range of remarkable people, among the participants, speakers, and Stanford researchers, and enter into deep, meaningful conversations about things that matter.