Institution news
Peter will be presenting at the upcoming Simulation and Modelling conference in late September, for a full agenda and to book please visit the website.
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to the simulation & modelling industry and this event?
Peter Giddings (PG): I spent my early career using simulation in low TRL product and process development developing into leading teams and setting direction for innovations in composite process simulation, automated manufacturing technologies. I founded and chaired the NAFEMS working group in Manufacturing Process Simulation.
My current focus is providing technical leadership in some key programmes to foster UK industries that enable decarbonised energy generation and kick start a viable circular economy for composite materials.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
PG: In our excitement to explore what new AI and ML methods could allow, we’ve not (in my opinion) succeeded in building confidence in the predictions of those new methods with our customers. Without trust in our predictions, projects struggle to use those predictions to progress through design, certification or financing processes.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
PG: The two key areas I think predictive technologies need to improve to help decarbonise the energy sector:
- Establishing and communicating uncertainty and applicability of models.
- Integrating sustainability into the early decision-making design phases.
What would you say are the areas of innovation across the UK simulation & modelling industry?
PG: AI & ML methods for applied problem solving and making multiphysics model chains more accessible.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
PG: Dr Catherine Noakes discussing simulation to improve how healthy our built environments can be – the topic blends interesting physics with real impact you can see (and breathe).
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
PG: Being inspired to create break throughs in your own practice: Learning how other sectors have solved problems or found innovative ways to evidence decisions.
The Simulation and Modelling 2024 conference will take place on 25-26 September 2024 in Birmingham
The event is a comprehensive showcase of the latest techniques and technologies available to practitioners and will provide a crucial forum to address common challenges in model development, complexity, fidelity and speed.
Bringing together simulation practitioners and design expert from multiple engineering sectors, attendees will benefit from fresh perspectives and lessons learned from simulation projects across a wide variety of applications.
Key areas for 2024 include multiphysics applications, the use of digital twins, emerging standards, machine learning, AI and data analysis. For a full agenda and to book please visit the website.