Data driven modelling and simulation workshop

On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) collaborated with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to host a workshop on data-driven modelling and simulation. This event brought together more than 140 researchers, academics and industry practitioners at the CSIR International Convention Centre.

The workshop was engaging and enlightening, featuring a panel of eight experts who shared invaluable insights on data-driven solutions.

The panellists included:

• Prof. Bhekisipho Twala - Deputy Vice Chancellor in the Digital Transformation faculty at the Tshwane University of Technology;
• Ndivhuwo Mphephu - Quantitative Analyst at Standard Bank South Africa;
• Abdul Baba - Chief Technology and Information Officer at Infrastructure South Africa, Industrial Development Corporation;
• Kirsten Smith - Head of Strategic Innovation at Opti-Num Solutions;
• Dr Paul Mokilane – Research Group Leader for Data Science at the CSIR;
• Dr Katlego Phoshoko – Principal Systems Scientist at the University of Limpopo;
• Dr Krishna Govender - Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Johannesburg; and
• Dhavan Reddy - Defense Analyst at the Defence Decision Support Institute at Armscor.

The workshop’s primary aim was to create a platform for researchers, academics and industry practitioners to establish collaborative research networks and share their research interests, experiences and resources. Furthermore, it sought to advance South African research and development capabilities, particularly in the context of the digital fourth industrial revolution, with a specific focus on data-driven modelling and simulation.

“The workshop was a great success, attracting a diverse range of participants, including postgraduate students, academic researchers and business professionals, all sharing the common goal of accelerating and harnessing data-driven modelling. The primary focus of this remarkable event was to expedite research and innovation through the implementation of data-driven modelling and simulation strategies,” said David Tshwane, senior researcher within the CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions cluster.

The existing skills gab between academia and industry is not a sustainable equilibrium and represents a fundamental aspect that needs to be mitigated. Addressing this gap is in alignment with the strategic national development framework. Furthermore, it involves the development of integrated data-driven modelling and simulation methods, which form an integral part of the broader scope of activities within the modelling and simulation domain, underscoring the significant role South Africa plays on the global stage.