Nirajan Shiwakoti

With over 20 years of rich and diverse experience in academia and industry, Associate Professor Shiwakoti stands as an experienced leader in the field of transport engineering and research. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, leveraging his expertise to drive advancements in research, deliver transformative teaching experiences, and enrich impactful engagement within the academic community. This has led to over 20 professional awards and distinctions both within the university and beyond. Notable recognitions include honours from Fresh Science, Australia, the Australian Scholarship and Science (CASS) Foundation, the 19th International Symposium on Transportation and Traffic Theory (ISTTT) - the University of California, Berkeley, USA, the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), and the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS).

Research Focus:

Dr. Shiwakoti's research trajectory exemplifies interdisciplinary innovation in transport engineering, where he navigates the nexus of emerging technology, infrastructure, and sustainability within transportation and logistics systems. His exceptional contributions have led to global recognition, placing him among the top 2% of cited scientists in the Logistics and Transportation field, as per Stanford University's esteemed citation rankings. His ranking as the 8th most productive author in pedestrian safety studies worldwide highlights his important influence on transportation safety. At RMIT, he leads a pioneering research team on Intelligent Transport and Mobility Systems focussing on:

(1) Safety, security and resilience of transport systems

(2) Societal ramifications of emerging transport technologies like electric vehicles, connected and automated vehicles, and

(3) Decarbonisation of transport and logistics systems

His innovative frameworks and methodologies in these areas have received prestigious awards and accolades while securing substantial funding (>$3M) for ongoing projects.

Research Keywords: connected and automated vehicles, pedestrian crowd dynamics, transport and traffic flow theory, evacuation modelling, human factors, system dynamics modelling, agent-based modelling, disasters, public safety, logistics, greenhouse gas emissions, life cycle assessment, behavioural change, pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, supply chain management

Teaching Accomplishments:

Dr. Shiwakoti's pedagogical philosophy revolves around student-centric learning, as evidenced by his strong teaching track record. His teaching activities are tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners, promoting deeper conceptual understanding and critical-thinking skills. As the program director for the Sustainable Systems Engineering program, his leadership has guided the program to achieve full accreditation twice, successfully transitioning from provisional status while consistently incorporating new sustainability practices.  Dr. Shiwakoti's dedication includes integrating work-integrated learning, building industry partnerships that enhance student experiences, and developing future-ready engineers prepared for real-world challenges.

Engagement:

Dr. Shiwakoti's impact transcends the confines of academia, as exemplified by his robust engagement with junior staff and the broader research community. Through mentorship initiatives, he has nurtured the professional growth of many junior academic staff, promoting a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. His international standing in the field has led to prestigious appointments, such as his role on the Advisory Board for the European Union's AUGMENTED CCAM project, where he contributes expertise in cooperative, connected, and automated mobility solutions. Dr Shiwakoti's contributions extend to competitive grant assessment panels, where his evaluations shape the trajectory of critical research endeavours. His collaborative spirit is evident in his partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, driving impactful research outcomes that receive recognition across national and international scientific platforms.