Shoal advances Systems Engineering practice with multiple contributions at INCOSE IS 2026
Shoal Group is pleased to share that a paper, presentation, tutorial and panel involving Shoal staff have been accepted for the upcoming INCOSE International Symposium (INCOSE IS 2026), being held in Yokohama, Japan, from 13 to 18 June 2026.
The paper, titled ‘An exploration of usage modelling in SysML v2’, is co-authored by Matthew Wylie, Head of Engineering at Shoal and Tommie Liddy from Turen Pty Ltd. As the Systems Modelling Language (SysML) transitions from version 1 to version 2, it introduces significant advancements in expressiveness, precision, and semantic consistency, particularly in how systems are defined and used. This paper investigates the potential of usage-first modelling, where system behaviour, structure, interaction, and other concepts are represented primarily through usage elements. Illustrated with a case study, they propose practical criteria to guide practitioners in applying usage-first modelling effectively within SysML v2, contributing to the evolving field of Digital Engineering.
Shoal Senior Principal Systems Engineer, and INCOSE President-Elect, Stephen Cook PhD, will also present at the Symposium. The presentation, ‘Systems of systems considerations for energy transition’, is co-authored by Mark Unewisse PhD, Shoal Systems Engineering Advisor, and Matthew Wylie. They apply an holistic systems-of-systems approach to energy decarbonisation, recognising the need to balance greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction with broader national development priorities. The presentation advocates for a whole-of-systems perspective in development and application of emissions reduction strategies, such that emission reductions are effective without compromising other critical economic, social, and infrastructure outcomes. This approach reinforces the importance of integrated modelling and systems thinking in navigating complex, large-scale transitions.
Stephen Cook will also be delivering a tutorial with colleagues from the Complex Systems Working Group, Dorothy McKinney and Dean Alistair Robert Beale. Titled ‘Aiding Systems Engineering Practitioners make the Impossible Probable’, the tutorial is designed to support practitioners to readily identify which tools or methods are best suited to the specific problem they are facing. With reference to the Tradecraft Guide, it focuses on understanding the nature of complex challenges, characterising the problem situations, and applying a systematic approach to choosing appropriate tools, rather than relying on habits or past situations.
CEO and Founder of Shoal, Shaun Wilson, will participate in a panel session titled ‘Current Challenges in Leading Digital Engineering: MBSE, Modelling and Simulation’, alongside global industry leaders. The panel will explore the practical challenges organisations face in adopting and scaling Digital Engineering practices, including the implementation of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and the integration of Modelling and Simulation into decision-making frameworks.
Together, these contributions reflect Shoal’s strength in applying advanced systems thinking and model-based approaches to complex, multi-stakeholder challenges, supporting better decision-making across engineering, infrastructure and national-scale, complex systems.
The International Symposium is the premier global forum for Systems Engineering and the major annual meeting of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). Established in 1991, the symposium brings together practitioners, researchers, and educators to share insights, experiences, and innovations that advance the discipline.
About Shoal
Shoal is complex systems design company. We use Systems Engineering combined with Modelling, Simulation and Analysis to help our clients define, analyse, decide, optimise, and deliver technology-intensive projects in complex environments across Defence, Space, Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
In 2026, Shoal celebrates 25 years of applying systems thinking to complex challenges.
More: shoalgroup.com
Media Contact
Matthew Wylie
Head of Engineering, Shoal Group
+61 403 156 288
[email protected]
