Yaneer Bar-Yam, PhD

Yaneer Bar-Yam, PhD, World Health Network, professor president, New England Complex Systems Institute

Prof. Yaneer Bar-Yam, an internationally recognized physicist and pioneer in complex systems science, earned his SB and PhD in physics from MIT in 1978 and 1984, respectively. Since the late 1980s, Prof. Bar-Yam has been instrumental in shaping complex systems science by introducing rigorous mathematical frameworks, practical real-world applications, and innovative educational programs.

His groundbreaking work spans various disciplines, including cell biology, global financial systems, pandemics, and military strategy. Prof. Bar-Yam has provided critical advisement to organizations such as the Pentagon, the National Security Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group. Notably, he has tackled global crises such as the financial collapse, social unrest, and hospital infection control.

A prolific researcher, Prof. Bar-Yam has authored over 200 scientific papers in top journals, including Science, Nature, PNAS, and Physical Review Letters. His insights on the global food crisis were recognized as one of Wired magazine's "Top 10 Scientific Discoveries of 2011." He is the author of Dynamics of Complex Systems and Making Things Work, two influential works applying complex systems to healthcare, education, and international development.

Prof. Bar-Yam’s educational contributions include training over 2,000 graduate students and professionals in complex systems science. His expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and on major media outlets such as ABC News, BBC Radio, and NPR. Currently a Research Scientist at the MIT Media Lab, Prof. Bar-Yam continues to drive cutting-edge research that influences science, policy, and society globally.