History
ISESS was founded on the belef that
complex global chalenges require
rigorous systoms thinking, scientific
excolence, and collaborative action.
The Origins of ISESS
The Institute for Syaterna Engineering and Sustainable Syntema (5E55)
was ostablithed 1o address a growing global chalienge: the ncressing
complesty of the tystoms theit underpin moder societies. infrastruture
networks, utan systome, climate mulenca stranegies, anergy tranaition,
and govemance structursa are deaply interconnectad. The applicaticn
of systers enginecring princicles is esoettial to understand these
challenges and so design solutions that are effedrive, suntainabie
and resilent
​
ISESS was created to bridgs this gap by advancing the application
of systems engineering princpies to susta nability, infrastructure sysnems,
and insetutional decision aking. Drasing from tadiions of syttems
angirearing ariginally deveinpad in sersepace, dfensn, and induatrial
kyabema, the inatitute adapts these rigorous analytical approaches to
contemparory societal challages.
​
The concept of ISESS omerged from years of intordsdipilnary rocearch
and peofess onal esperlence atress engineering. urben rystems, humanitarian
operatiors, ond sustaisallity polcy hs founder recognid thet aidrensing
complex chel'onges - from ciate resilence and infrastracture perfienance
1o sutaiseblo urhan dounlopment - requires ietegrated arolytic frameworks
capable of urderstanding interdegondencies across technical, ondronmentel
and inturional sysbems.
​
Today, ISE55 sorves as a platform for applied sesearch, anssutive edducarion,
wategie aduiory and solahorstive innovotion. Thesugh partnerships nith
governmenta, universities, intemational arganizationa, and priate-oestor
actors, tho instiuto works to strengthen how comples systers ar anaiyredl
dergned, and goverred.
​
By combring siertfe rigor with practicel engagemment, ISE55 canbbutes
to a bruader effort to postion syslems enginewing as a foundiriiorel
dsplse for suitainable develogment, resilant isfrastrusture, and
effoitive goversence in an increasingly oomglex world
Sustainability & Resilience Research Gerwwtng
evidence haud knowladge, frneworks and innpestie solurions for nustalnable developmont and reslert aystems
Systems Thinking & Capacity Develepment
Strengthening the capebiies of loaders, profmiongls, and ivthutions to addres comples saco technical thelongo through nterro-besed approaches
Decision Intelligence & Adwisory Solutions
Providing stnegie advlsory services. enolycica toola and deckion-suport frameworke that ieprave
plirning, governance, isvestmat, end performance
manapumert.
Strategic Partnerships & Insovation Networks
Fostering colabortion among goverments, acedemia, developinent orgarizatione, industry, and commanises lo accoleete inremnition end colective impact
The ISESS Imgact Model
Secearch -+ Capacity Developmert -. Decicion
Sce lgonce - Partersips & lnowation Through this integranedl model, I5E55 tranetorng tysnent-engineering knenledge ino practical solutions
that strergthen neulece, wtainaběity. effective
poverarce, and long-ten sociotal wel-baing
ISESS Institutional Values
The work of the institute for Systems Engineering and Sustainable Systoms (ISESSI i gulded by a set of core values that shape how
the instiute conducts revearch, engages with partners, and contibutes to knowledge and sncirty
Scientific Integrity
​ISESS is committed to advancing knowledge through analytical rigor, evidence-based research, and the application of robust engineering and systems methodologies.
Practical Impact
While grounded in research, ISESS is committed to producing knowledge that informs real decisions. The institute strives to ensure that its work
contributes to tangible improvements in infrastructure systems, sustainability strategies, and institutional capacity.
Systems Thinking
Complex challenges require holistic perspectives. ISESS approaches sustainability, infrastructure, and governance issues through systems analysis that recognizes interdependencies across technical, environmental, institutional, and social dimensions.
Global Responsibility
ISESS recognizes that many sustainability challenges transcend borders. The institute promotes solutions that support resilient systems, envirdnmental
stewardship, and equitable development at both local and global scales.
Integrity and Independence
The institute maintains intellectual independence and transparency in its research and advisory activities. This ensures that the insights and
recommendations produced by ISESS remain credible and grounded in evidence.
Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
ISESS believes that meaningful solutions emerge from collaboration across disciplines and institutions. The institute actively fosters partnerships among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities.
Rooted in science. Guided by values.
Committed to a better future.
From our orgiera to our muion and mluun
ISESS ewrains dedcated tn hulding apnarre
thet enetie soderies te thrbe-todey and boe
Biography
Dr. Anicet Adjahossou
Founder and Executive Director​
​
Dr. Anicet Adjahossou is a systems engineer, infrastructure specialist, and sustainability researcher whose work focuses on applying systems engineering principles to complex socio-technical systems. His research and professional activities address the design and governance of resilient infrastructure systems, sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and the management of interconnected resource systems.
​
Dr. Adjahossou holds a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Colorado State University, where his research focused on applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to the analysis and modeling of integrated human settlement systems. His interdisciplinary academic background also includes graduate degrees in engineering management, civil engineering, and urban and regional planning.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Adjahossou has worked at the intersection of engineering, infrastructure systems, and international development. He has contributed to the design, planning, and coordination of complex infrastructure and resilience programs across multiple regions, particularly in contexts characterized by environmental risk, institutional complexity, and resource constraints.
​
In addition to his professional work, Dr. Adjahossou has been actively engaged in research exploring systems-based approaches to sustainability challenges. His interests include complex systems modeling, infrastructure resilience, climate adaptation strategies, and the integration of engineering methods with policy and governance frameworks.
​
Through the creation of ISESS, Dr. Adjahossou seeks to advance systems engineering as a discipline capable of supporting governments, institutions, and organizations in addressing the complex sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Under his leadership, the institute aims to bridge scientific knowledge with practical decision-making by combining research, executive education, strategic advisory services, and innovative analytical tools.
​
His work reflects a broader commitment to strengthening how institutions understand and manage complex systems, ensuring that infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and governance frameworks evolve together to support sustainable and resilient societies.
Message du fondateur
Les sociétés modernes reposent sur des systèmes de plus en plus complexes – réseaux énergétiques, infrastructures urbaines, systèmes d’approvisionnement en eau, systèmes de transport et institutions de gouvernance – qui doivent fonctionner de concert de manière fiable, résiliente et durable. Or, les défis auxquels ces systèmes sont confrontés aujourd’hui – changement climatique, urbanisation rapide, pression sur les ressources et transformation technologique – prennent de l’ampleur et se complexifient.
Dans bien des cas, les institutions chargées de concevoir et de gérer ces systèmes ne disposent pas des cadres d'analyse nécessaires pour comprendre leurs interdépendances. De ce fait, les solutions sont souvent élaborées de manière cloisonnée, sans que l'on tienne suffisamment compte de l'impact des décisions prises dans un domaine sur le système dans son ensemble.
L’Institut d’ingénierie des systèmes et des systèmes durables (ISES) a été créé pour relever ce défi.
Notre objectif est de promouvoir l'application du génie des systèmes en tant que discipline pratique au service du développement durable, de la gouvernance des infrastructures et de la prise de décision publique. Le génie des systèmes offre des méthodes performantes pour comprendre les interactions complexes, évaluer les compromis et concevoir des systèmes robustes face à l'incertitude.
Par le biais de la recherche, de la formation des cadres, du conseil stratégique et d'initiatives collaboratives, l'ISES s'efforce de combler le fossé entre les connaissances scientifiques et les pratiques institutionnelles. Notre objectif est d'aider les gouvernements, les organisations et les collectivités à appréhender la complexité et à concevoir des systèmes favorisant la résilience à long terme et le développement durable.
En définitive, le travail d'ISES repose sur une conviction simple : des résultats durables émergent de systèmes bien conçus et bien gouvernés.
Dr Anicet Adjahossou
Fondateur et directeur exécutif