Abstract
Modelling & Simulation (M&S) techniques such as discrete-event simulation (DES), agent-based simulation (ABS), and system dynamics (SD) enable the development of computational models that aid decision-making. With the growing complexity of systems being modelled, numerous studies deploy hybrid simulation (HS), combining multiple M&S techniques like DES and ABS to provide improved insights into the evolving system dynamics at different levels of resolution. Distinct from HS, hybrid modelling (HM) extends the M&S discipline by combining theories, frameworks, techniques and established research approaches that have existed as extant knowledge within various disciplines, and applying multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary solutions to practice. Within M&S, there is limited evidence of using conjoined methods for building HMs. Where a stream of such research does exist, the integration of approaches is mostly at a technical level. The talk will motivate the need for a transdisciplinarity-enabling framework for M&S that supports the collaboration of research efforts from multiple disciplines, allowing them to grow into transdisciplinary research.

Keynote speaker
Nav Mustafee is a Professor of Analytics and Operations Management at the University of Exeter Business School, UK. His research focuses on modelling and simulation methodologies and their application in healthcare, supply chain management, circular economy, and adaptation and resilience to climate change. A particular area of interest is hybrid modelling and simulation. He is a Co-Investigator in EU and UKRI-funded projects on circular economy (EU ULTIMATE), climate change and resilience (EU ARSINOE) and healthcare (SPHERE; STARS). He received the UK OR Society’s Lyn Thomas Impact Medal for 2022 for developing a platform informing attendance choices for urgent care (NHSquicker). He is Joint Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Simulation (JOS) and leads the UK OR Society’s JOS Africa Focus initiative.