About The Foundation

Honoring Barclay’s Legacy

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Honoring a Legacy of Systems Thinking, Innovation, and Service

The Barclay R. Brown Foundation was created to honor the life, legacy and forward-thinking work of Dr. Barclay Roger Brown, a systems engineer, educator, author, mentor, innovator and lifelong advocate for using systems thinking to make the world better.

Barclay believed deeply in the power of systems engineering to solve complex problems, connect people across disciplines and prepare the next generation of leaders to think more clearly, ethically and creatively about the future. His work touched universities, professional societies, government communities, technical working groups, industry leaders, students and emerging systems engineers around the world.

The Foundation carries that work forward by supporting the people, programs and organizations that reflect Barclay’s lifelong commitment to systems engineering, artificial intelligence, model-based systems engineering, digital engineering, education, innovation, leadership and service.

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A Broader Vision for Impact

Barclay R. Brown led with humility, quiet strength and a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference. The Barclay R. Brown Foundation was established to carry that spirit forward.

While Barclay was deeply engaged in professional communities throughout his career, the Foundation’s purpose is to support the ideas, people, programs and systems activities that best reflect his legacy wherever that important work is taking place.

This may include grants to universities, research initiatives, technical working groups, professional societies, independent nonprofits, student competitions, systems thinking programs, innovation events, open-source communities and cross-disciplinary projects that advance systems engineering, artificial intelligence, MBSE, digital engineering and broader public benefit.

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What We Support

The Foundation supports programs and initiatives rooted in Barclay’s values: intellectual curiosity, disciplined engineering, ethical leadership, human-centered innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration and the belief that better systems can help create a better world.

Areas of support may include:

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Research

Research grants and support in systems engineering, artificial intelligence, responsible AI, complex systems, MBSE, digital engineering and emerging systems methods.

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Education

Scholarships, educational grants, student support, curriculum development, faculty support, sponsored professorships, university programs, workshops, courses and educational resources.

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Professional Society Involvement

Participation in professional societies and technical communities where systems engineering, AI, aerospace, defense, digital engineering and complex systems work is advanced.

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Mission-Driven Systems Projects & Competitions

Systems-focused events, independent convenings, hack-a-thons, design challenges, AI competitions, open-source funded bounties, public systems thinking projects and special initiatives that bring systems approaches to a broader audience.

Why It Matters
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The Future Needs People Who Can Think Across Boundaries

Barclay’s legacy is not only found in the work he completed. It lives in the people he encouraged, the ideas he advanced and the communities he helped strengthen.

He believed in asking better questions. He believed in connecting people and ideas. He believed in disciplined thinking. He believed the future needed people who could think across boundaries.

The Barclay R. Brown Foundation continues that belief in action by extending his impact into classrooms, grant-supported projects, research programs, conferences, working groups, student competitions, AI initiatives, leadership efforts and professional communities where the next generation of systems thinkers can learn, contribute and lead.

Give in Barclay’s Honor
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Carrying the Work Forward

Barclay believed in the power of better systems, better questions and better ways of thinking. A gift to the Barclay R. Brown Foundation helps carry that belief into classrooms, grants and research programs, professional communities and future opportunities for emerging systems thinkers.

Together, we can continue Barclay’s legacy and support the work he loved.

3% Cover the Fee

The Barclay R. Brown Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.