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.
Nav Mustafee is a Professor in Analytics and Operations Management at the University of Exeter Business School. His research focuses on Modelling and Simulation methodologies and their application in healthcare, supply chain management and the circular economy. A particular area of interest is Hybrid Modelling. He is the Primary Investigator for an NHS Devon ICB-funded project related to urgent care (NHSquicker), a Co-Investigator for EU projects investigating systemic solutions for resilience to climate change (ARSINOE) and circular economy of water (ULTIMATE), a UKRI-funded project on healthcare redesign (SPHERE) and a new MRC/NIHR-funded project on sharing tools and artefacts for reproducible simulation (STARS) in healthcare. Nav is the recipient of the OR Society's Lyn Thomas Impact Medal for 2022 for developing a platform informing attendance choices for urgent care. He is a Joint Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Simulation (JOS) and leads the JOS Africa Focus initiative for the UK OR Society. Nav is the General Chair for the 2026 Winter Simulation Conference, which will be held in Glasgow (Scotland) in December next year.