• Cutting and Packing

EURO Summer Institute 2012

Porto, Portugal, July 16 -27, 2012
Cutting and Packing

Please see http://www.fe.up.pt/~esicup/extern/ESI-CP/ for more information on the ESI

Aims and Scope

Cutting and packing problems are hard combinatorial problems, which arise in the context of many real-world applications, both in industry and in services. In general, they require that “large objects” are to be divided into “small items” in such a way that waste is minimized. Problems of this kind may involve the cutting of paper rolls into narrower rolls in the paper industry, the cutting of large wooden boards into smaller rectangular panels in the furniture industry, the cutting of irregularly shaped components of garment from fabric rolls in the fashion industry, but also the packing boxes into containers or the loading boxes on pallets in logistics applications. The aim of the EURO Summer Institute on Cutting and Packing (ESI-CP) is bringing together young researchers with academic experts in the field. Every participant will present an unpublished research paper on a topic from Cutting and Packing which will be intensively discussed during workshop sessions of the ESI-CP. In addition to these workshops, the Scientific Program will include tutorials on selected topics and invited surveys of recent and an outlook on future developments in the area of Cutting and Packing. An attractive social program will allow for meeting and socializing with other young researchers and established experts in the field. In other words: the ESI-CP will offer a unique opportunity for establishing a personal network, addressing an international audience and creating new research groups.

Participation

Participation is limited to a group of up to 25 early stage researchers, who are either PhD students or who have less than two years research experience since completing a PhD. To be eligible, a candidate should have experience in the area of Cutting and Packing and be author of at least one unpublished, high-quality paper to be presented at this Summer Institute. Persons who are interested to attend the ESI–CP should apply for participation to their national OR society, submitting the unpublished paper and their curriculum vitae, which should include a list of publications. The national societies within EURO are entitled to nominate up to three applicants, from which the scientific committee selects the group of participants. Participation and accommodation is free for the selected persons. The cost of the ESI is jointly met by EURO and other organizations with the exception of travel expenses, which are usually met by the delegating national OR societies. Up to two applications may be accepted from persons belonging to national operations research societies which are ALIO members. In addition to that, the organizers of the Summer Institute may further accept two applicants from other parts of the world, provided that their travel expenses are met by their national society or some other organization.

Scientific Papers

All participants are invited to present and discuss an unpublished working paper within one of the ESI-CP workshops. The Scientific Committee is committed to prepare a special or feature issue of an internationally renowned OR Journal devoted to the ESI-CP.

Invited Speakers and Scientific Committee

• António Miguel Gomes (University of Porto, Portugal)
• David Pisinger (Technical University of Denmark, Denmark)
• Gerhard Wäscher (University of Magdeburg, Germany)
• José Fernando Oliveira (University of Porto, Portugal)
• José Valério de Carvalho (University of Minho, Portugal)
• Julia Bennell (University of Southampton, UK)
• Maria Antónia Carravilla (University of Porto, Portugal)
• Ramón Alvarez-Valdes (University of Valencia, Spain)

Conference Venue

Porto is a beautiful ancient city situated in the north of Portugal on the right bank of the river Douro, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Porto is the second largest city of the country and the most important one in the north of Portugal. The city is well over 1500 years old, its center is classified as world heritage patrimony by the UNESCO. Porto is also known worldwide for its renowned Port Wine. The ESI will be held at the “Seminário de Vilar”. A former convent, it has been rebuilt, expanded and renovated and serves now a convention center, still run by the Diocese of Porto. Located above the river Douro, with simple rooms and no regular-hotel services, accommodation is frequently classified as student hostel. “Seminário de Vilar” is within walking distance of the city center.

Social Events

Porto offers many opportunities for sightseeing trips, e.g. to the world heritage patrimony city center and to the city’s parks and museums. In the surrounding region there are plenty of sunny beaches and the, also world heritage patrimony, Douro Valley, with its vineyards. On the Social Program we planned tours and visits to the Porto highlights, Port wine cellars, Serralves museum and an excursion in the Northern region of Portugal.

Travel and Accommodation

Several Airlines (e.g. TAP, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air Berlin, Easy Jet and Ryan Air) offer regular flights at moderate prices from many places in Europe directly to the airport of Porto. Alternately, it is possible to fly to Lisbon and take a train to Porto (www.cp.pt). The participants of the ESI will stay at the “Seminário de Vilar”, venue of the ESI-CP.

Organization Committee

António Miguel Gomes (University of Porto, Portugal), Gerhard Wäscher (University of Magdeburg, Germany), José Fernando Oliveira (University of Porto, Portugal), and Maria Antónia Carravilla (University of Porto, Portugal).

Important dates

Deadline for application at the national OR societies: to be defined by each society
Deadline for nomination of participants (by the national OR societies): March 15th, 2012
Decision on participation: April 1st, 2012
ESI-CP 2012: July 16-27, 2012

Contact

António Miguel Gomes (chair of the ESI-CP 2012)
Departamento de Engenharia e Gestão Industrial
Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto
Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n
P-4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Phone: +351 22 5081573
Email: [email protected]

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