Simulation innovator scoops pool at Australasian industry awards
CQUniversity human factors academic Professor Anjum Naweed has been recognised for his unique contributions to innovative simulation practices in research' with two big honours at Simulation Australasia's annual awards.
Prof Naweed received a Lifetime Membership Award from the peak body' and a Simulation Achievement Award for his innovative Scenario Intervention Task Technique (SITT) process.
Prof Naweed is Theme Leader for Human Factors and Operational Readiness at CQUniversity's Appleton Institute' and the Adelaide-based academic said he was honoured to have his work recognised in the exciting field of simulation.
"If a picture is worth a thousand words' then a simulation is worth a thousand pictures – and I've taken that principle to craft and hone my SITT process' and apply it across a wide range of research projects at CQUniversity'" he explained.
"The SITT involves a kinaesthetic' or tactile' style of collecting data' and requires participants to simulate' manipulate and interact with scenarios they themselves develop.
"At the same time' they have the ability to freeze and unfreeze time within the simulation' to examine why their actions or decisions' or inactions or indecisions' make sense in the moment and what may happen with change.
"The process aims to elicit tacitly-wielded knowledge from research participants' and through simulation' participants move systematically from analytical to creative thinking' and then to "systems thinking."
The Simulation Australasia Award citation noted Prof Naweed's process "is published openly and widely' (and is) clearly and unambiguously making outstanding contributions to science' technology' and education' demonstrating management and leadership in simulation and modelling capability in Australia and overseas."
The Lifetime Membership Award citation acknowledged "the significant contribution made to the organisation as Scientific Convenor over many years"' and puts Prof Naweed in a select group of industry leaders.
"(Prof Naweed) has arranged publication of conference papers in widely read journals' and ensured that the high standards required to maintain the reputation of the Australian Simulation Congress have been maintained."
Prof Naweed recently applied the SITT process for rail industry research that analysed safety culture across international network controllers' identifying weak spots to support transition to a more efficient and automated rail future.
The awards celebrate the work of the simulation community and the contributions made by both teams and individuals.
Simulation Australasia brings together industry professionals' government' and those interested in Simulation to allow for discussion and distribution of information through events and collaboration.
It promotes the advancement of research' development and use of simulation technologies and practices in society' industry' academia and government.
