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WKID Research

Using applied science to system engineer innovation in complex systems

Service

Applied Complex Systems Science

WKID Research serves foundations and government funders, universities and other institutions, donors seeking transformative social impact, and the general public seeking accessible, actionable insights.

WKID Research is applied complex systems science that translates theoretical models into practical use cases. The program combines grant-funded research, contract-based development work, and donor-driven exploration of “blue sky” ideas. Blue sky ideas are applications of complex system science to find solutions for wicked problems. These ideas can make a big impact but have no commercial value and are not covered by existing grant programs. 

WKID Research:

  • establishes methodological credibility, produces high-impact research outputs, and demonstrates measurable societal outcomes that align with funder priorities.
  • accelerates project initiation, enhances competitiveness for funding, and provides rigorous, reproducible research designs.
  • catalyzes transformative ideas, often in a pre-competitive space, to expand the frontier of social innovation, and broadens the impact canvas beyond traditional funding pathways.
Our Process

Collaboration is Central

All WKID Solutions research is founded in collaboration of application of use-inspired, transdisciplinary science. Research builds on the WKID Innovation framework that is adaptable to nearly any wicked problem. Wicked problems are impossible to fully solve because they are often incompletely understood and often have competing or conflicting requires from a diverse group of stakeholders. As a Ph.D., Natasha Stavros’s methods are rigorous and focus on collaboration, transparency, and reproducibility. The breadth of WKID Research Development scope can include any and all of the following activities:

  • Securing funding:  including winning grants, executing contract, and mobilizing donor investments.
  • Writing proposals: compelling, funder-aligned with clear milestones and deliverables, improved grant-writing success, research proposal quality, and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Focusing on public impact: scalable knowledge products, licensing revenue, and broad audience reach with outcomes aligned to societal needs. 
  • Producing research outputs: credible methodologies, impact demonstrations suitable for funders and partners, and accessible narratives.
  • Executing donor-driven programs: Pilot initiatives and exploratory investments aligned with social impact goals.

01

Project Scoping

This can be an iterative process as we collaborate to refine the idea into a viably funded project. All project scoping is free and is developed through partnership. Projects are typically not less than one year and not more than three years.

02

Estimate Budget

Based on the scope of work, a budget will be proposed and iterated with the partner to meet their needs and capacity. 

03

Collaborate & Deliver

Based on the scope of work and roles and responsibilities outlined in the partnership, you work together with Natasha to converge on credible research output that meets your needs.

Connect for a Discovery Call
Natasha Stavros (PhD) research focuses on applied complex systems science working on wicked problems.
Natasha Stavros, PhD research focuses on applied complex systems science working on wicked problems.

Portfolio of Works

Burning Inside Out is a narrative nonfiction book as a survival guide for change makers in a world on fire. It offers 30 chapters and 30 lessons on resilience through change.

Burning Inside Out: Lessons in Resilience Through Change

February 20, 2026 No Comments

​The world burns, floods, dries up, and starves. Species vanish. We witness war and mass shootings. How-to books promise solutions to wicked problems, yet no one talks about the cost of being a change maker. Burning Inside Out is a survival guide for resilience through change, not another how-to book on innovation. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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