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For further details and to register to join this year's conference, please visit the event website.
Could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience related to the focus of this event?
Gordon Shearer (GS): I am an Operational Research Analyst at Sellafield Ltd. My role involves designing simulation & other mathematical models for processes and facilities across site, and conducting 'what-if?' analysis using those models. The purpose of my role is problem abstraction, identifying ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and providing decision makers with better insight using data.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
GS: Many of the work streams we have are massive, complex programmes of work which require many sub-programmes to co-ordinate and work effectively together. Often these sub-groups will have conflicting goals and purposes, and it is a big challenge to manage the trade-offs between the different criteria that we are being 'marked' against - how can we define what an 'optimal' solution looks like?
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
GS: Our presentation will specifically be covering our modelling support for some of Europe's most hazardous facilities, which has evolved from support of design to support of operations as we have now begun retrieving from these facilities. I'll be very interested to hear LFE from others on gathering/using/governing empirical data for modelling and forecasting, and any insights in switching focus as a long-term project transitions to a new phase.
What do you consider to be the key areas of innovation in this industry, both in the UK and internationally?
GS: Artificial Intelligence. There is a massive push to implement AI in almost every solution, so whatever industry or role you are in you are likely to see an increase in AI. We're in an interesting point in time where we are seeing amazing advancements in AI and Machine Learning techniques around us, but the regulation hasn't been keeping the same pace.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
GS: At these type of events, there is always something new to take away from every presentation - I'm particularly keen to hear about other industries and see what innovations we can bring over into nuclear decommissioning.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
GS: As with any professional body, it is important to maintain a good network of other experts in your field and keep updated with latest innovations.
This year's Simulation and Modelling conference will take place on 30 September - 1 October at Austin Court in Birmingham.
Bringing together engineers and simulation experts across multiple industries, the conference provides a key forum for like-minded practitioners to share their expertise, present new technical developments, provide innovative use cases and outline lessons learned from engineering simulation projects.
Industry sectors covered this year include UK Ports, Automotive, Nuclear energy, Defence, Composite Materials, Pharmaceuticals, Green Hydrogen, Railways, and many others.
For further details and to register to join this year's conference, please visit the event website.