IGOR judges the fourth IAUR GXT, The Future of the Body in 2044

We were delighted to be invited by the Australian National University (ANU) on July 18th 2014, to judge the Fourth Annual International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) Global Cross-Disciplinary Tournament (GXT), a student driven event that promotes cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural teamwork. The tournament brings teams of undergraduate students from across the world, to produce innovative (and implementable) solutions for issues the world will face in the future. The topic for 2014 was ‘The Future of the Body’, and IGOR had much to offer this topic.

We were fascinated to hear the solutions offered by some of the worlds brightest students from the ANU, the University of Cambridge, the University of Copenhagen, the University of Oxford, Peking University, the National University of Singapore and the University of Tokyo.

The five teams offered five unique perspectives, embracing the challenge of projecting their vision out to 2044, the innovation and viability of the ideas were stimulating; we heard brilliant solutions for the growing issue of academic doping, website enabled solutions for mental health in the workplace, diffusion of 3D printing technology for health solutions in developing countries, and bold solutions for mental rehabilitation in criminal sentencing. The one that really captured IGOR’s imagination was the development of smart technologies to enable independent living in our aging western populations.

IGOR would welcome any one of the 25 participants of the fourth IARU GXT to spend some more time with IGOR, and we look forward to hearing the highlights of these outstanding young men and women’s career over the next 30 years.

IGOR & The Building Leadership Simulation Centre

In large construction projects, such as this skyscraper in Melbourne, cranes are essential. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

IGOR has been invited to visit the Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC) in Melbourne, Victoria this month.

The BLSC is a world leading capability in simulation for Australia. It represents a quantum leap for training in the building and construction industry in Australia. With state-of-the-art simulation technology, the BLSC is designed to assist the building industry deliver construction projects in a safer, quicker and more cost effective way.

The facility immerses construction teams in a virtual worksite to target
decision-making, problem-solving and leadership skills. Participants
confront the challenges faced on a real building site but without the
risks of delays, defects, cost blow outs or injuries.

IGOR’s experience in establishing valid and effective simulation training and our depth of knowledge in leadership development, translates to a fertile relationship between IGOR and this world leading centre.

IGOR invited to deliver HF workshop at CeBIT 2013

IGOR has been invited to deliver a timely workshop; “Modifying the workforce to Accommodate the Changing Workforce Demographic” at CeBIT Global Conference 2013 in Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on 28th May 2013.

CeBIT is the largest information technology trade show in the world targeted to industry professionals. Organized by Deutsche Messe, AG, Hannover, Germany, www.cebit.de.

IGOR’s workshop will address how to modify the workplaces common in the supply chain and logistics industry to accommodate changing workforce demographics in Australia. It is forecast that by 2055 the number of people aged over 65 will almost double. By 2020 about 85 % of labour market growth will come from people over the age of 45. Economic well being, for both governments and individual businesses, depends on keeping older workers employed. Companies that fail to address the ageing workforce issue risk future staff and skill shortages, and any competitive edge they now enjoy. While most employers are aware of the demographic shift underway and the kinds of actions they need to be prepared for, very few have actually implemented the necessary changes. This workshop will show that by reviewing the factors influencing the current workforce demographics, exploring causal factors of fatigue, mistakes and accidents in the workplace, identifying how problem areas in the work environment can be modified and discussing key considerations to upgrade work place space, attendees can establish a strategic workplace plan.

If you will be at CeBIT 2013 please come and say hello on Tuesday 28th May.

 

 

 

A crowded exhibition hall during CeBIT 2000. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Welcome to Hayley Carberry

As we start 2013 we are very excited to welcome another Human Systems Scientist to the IGOR team; Ms Hayley Carberry.

Hayley brings 11 years experience supporting the Australian Defence Organisation developing Operational Analysis capability and Systems analysis tools and techniques. She has experience developing capability for industry as well as Australian National Security organisations.

Hayley holds an Honours degree in Software Engineering and is currently working towards a Master of Science. She has applied her knowledge in Information Technology from operations research to simulation projects. She has unique experience in conducting operational and capability level evaluation as well as designing, developing and delivering decision support tools, including forecasting and schedule modelling.

Welcome Dr Tony Dekker

We are very excited to welcome Dr Tony Dekker to the IGOR Team.

Anthony (Tony) Dekker joins the IGOR Human Science Team as a Senior Human Systems Analyst.

Tony graduated with a PhD from the University of Tasmania in 1991. He has worked as an academic and as an applied researcher in Singapore and Australia, and most recently spent 17 years at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), working with a range of Defence clients.

Tony has experience with several different kinds of organisational analysis, and has contributed to the state of the art in Social Network Analysis and Agent-Based Modelling of human behaviour.  He has a background in software tool development, operations research, survey design, and statistical analysis.  In 2012, Tony was appointed a Fellow of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand (MSSANZ).

Tony’s interests include reading and writing, and he has written a children’s picture book, “Penguin.”

IGOR’s Office Grows

Emily has recently joined the IGOR Canberra office admin team

Hi, I’m Emily and I’ve just finished the first year of my five year engineering and science degree at ANU.

 The science part of my degree is based in science communication where I learn about breaking down barriers between the scientist and the general pubic. This involves ensuring better communication between the two groups and making information understandable and readily accessible to the increasing demand for scientific knowledge by lay people.

I’m currently working part time with IGOR as an administrative assistant. Over the year I plan to develop my understanding of science communication to assist IGOR to explain their Human Science work to a broader market.

When I am not at IGOR I have a busy uni schedule and rowing training. I train almost every morning and afternoon down on Lake Burley Griffin, during the chilly winters as well.

I live on a local farm with lots of cows, my dog Charlie and pet galah, Numnuts.

 

Welcome to Keita Matsumoto

IGOR, working with the Australian National University (ANU), has established the IGOR ACT Intern and Placement program in our Canberra office, ACT.

Welcome to our first Human Science intern at our Canberra office, Keita Matsumoto.

Keita joined the team at IGOR towards the end of 2012. His interest in psychology and personal development began early on during his time at senior school, where he was part of the pilot cohort for the Positive Psychology program delivered by professor Seligman in 2009.

Keita currently studies at the Australian National University, undertaking a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science.

His personal interests include swimming, water polo and meditation. Keita is an active individual and likes to spend time in the pool or playing his guitar when he has time to spare between work and classes.

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Hello world!

Welcome to the first post for the official “IGOR Update”. Here we plan to tell you the latest and greatest news from IGOR. All the information that keeps you informed about one of the worlds greatest Human Science companies.