DHANAN UTOMO
Co-Investigator
Dr Dhanan Utomo is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University, specialising in operational research with a focus on agent-based modelling and simulation to optimise logistics and supply chains.
His career is defined by a deep commitment to translating complex systems research into tangible societal impact. This approach, which blends technical expertise with a social science perspective, was forged during his time as an expert staff member in the Indonesian government, providing him with a unique understanding of the disconnect between top-down policymaking and community-level realities.
His doctoral research on novel data collection methodologies, developed within the Indonesian agri-food context, demonstrates his ability to create innovative tools that are both scientifically rigorous and socially grounded. This work, which earned him a Distinguished Dissertation Award from the European Social Simulation Association, has since contributed to capacity building, serving as a learning tool for other researchers and farmer cooperatives.
Dr Utomo’s expertise in this field has been applied to several innovative UK projects, including a focus on last-mile delivery using electric and autonomous vehicles, and identifying the most cost-effective ways to decarbonise logistics systems.
Dr Utomo has a strong track record of securing research funding and leading projects with significant policy impact. As Principal Investigator for a Transport Scotland project, his research on electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) charging infrastructure directly informed policy discussions in the Scottish Government and was recognised with a Best Paper for Research Excellence Award from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Heriot-Watt University
