AI‑accelerated system discovery
We use causal discovery and retrieval‑augmented synthesis to build a traceable hypothesis of how your system behaves—grounded in literature, data, and operational context—in days, not weeks.
Turn complex systems into decisions you can defend
We synthesize research, data, and tacit knowledge to reveal where to intervene, how to measure progress, and how to de‑risk delivery. You get a traceable system map, clear leverage points, and a decision brief your oversight bodies will accept.
Request a decision briefOur Services
Stakeholder validation & co‑design
Structured workshops bring experts and rightsholders together to stress‑test assumptions, surface constraints and risks, and establish acceptance criteria—so recommendations are implementable and defensible.
Integrated measurement & learning
We co‑design an M&E framework with indicators, data flows, and feedback routines so teams can track effects, adapt quickly, and report clearly to executives, funders, and auditors.
Proven Results
Pacific Salmon Decision Support
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Mapped 200+ factors shaping knowledge uptake, isolated three high‑leverage interventions, and delivered an integrated monitoring framework that connects management actions to measurable outcomes.
Key Outcomes: Identified 3 primary leverage points, mapped 216 interconnected factors, and developed an integrated monitoring framework—delivered efficiently with modern discovery methods while maintaining rigorous validation standards.
Scientific Integrity Policy Framework
Office of the Chief Science Advisor, ISED
Built cross‑department system models and a shared theory of change; identified nine leverage points with associated indicators to guide policy implementation and ongoing evaluation.
Key Outcomes: Identified 9 policy leverage points and comprehensive measurement frameworks—AI acceleration enabled broader scope while rigorous stakeholder engagement ensured trusted, actionable insights.
Our Methodology
We combine AI-accelerated discovery with rigorous human expertise to identify strategic leverage points, then design integrated measurement, evaluation, and learning frameworks. AI speeds initial hypothesis generation while thorough stakeholder validation ensures trusted insights.
AI System Discovery
AI‑assisted review unifies literature, program data, and operational insight into a source‑linked system hypothesis with a clear audit trail.
Human Validation
We facilitate structured engagement with domain experts and rightsholders to confirm mechanisms, expose blind spots, and document dissent.
Leverage Point Identification
Graph analytics and policy criteria surface the highest‑leverage interventions, dependencies, and risks—prioritized against cost, feasibility, and equity.
Integrated M&E Design
We translate the model into indicators, data flows, and review cadences, enabling real‑time learning and transparent reporting.
About PolicySpark
Founded by Chris Callaghan (M.Sc.), PolicySpark brings more than 25 years of public‑sector experience (NSERC, Environment Canada, DFO, Treasury Board, OAG). We pair that depth with modern AI tooling so leaders can move faster without sacrificing rigor, fairness, or accountability.
Education
M.Sc. Biology, University of Ottawa
B.Sc. Renewable Resources, McGill University
Experience
Senior leadership roles at NSERC, Environment Canada, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Treasury Board, and Office of the Auditor General
Expertise
Systems thinking, measurement design, program evaluation, environmental policy, causal analysis, AI-enabled strategy
Why PolicySpark
AI-Enhanced Efficiency
Deploy AI-powered causal discovery to accelerate initial hypothesis generation, then apply rigorous human validation—delivering comprehensive insights efficiently without sacrificing quality.
Rigorous Validation
Thorough stakeholder engagement ensures AI discoveries reflect real complexity and expert knowledge—creating trusted, actionable models that drive implementation.
Accessible Expertise
Modern tools enable sophisticated analysis at accessible scale—bringing enterprise-grade systems mapping to organizations of all sizes.
Integrated Delivery
From discovery to measurement framework to learning systems—comprehensive support across the entire evidence-informed policy lifecycle, delivered cohesively.
Trusted Partners
We collaborate with leading government departments and agencies to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making and accelerate policy implementation.
FISHERIES & OCEANS CANADA
ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA
THE ASIA FOUNDATION
INNOVATION, SCIENCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Let's Work Together
Tell us the policy question you’re wrestling with—we’ll outline the fastest path to a decision‑ready brief and a right‑sized engagement.
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Location
Cantley, Québec, Canada