{"id":1952,"date":"2025-05-30T12:54:28","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T12:54:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/?page_id=1952"},"modified":"2026-04-17T09:32:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T09:32:59","slug":"euro-practitioners-forum-6th-annual-conference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/euro-practitioners-forum-6th-annual-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"EURO Practitioners\u2019 Forum 6th Annual Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Unlocking OR for all: from Models to Business Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:47px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-7565bcf72d15b6274b5b1a3f6df4e7b6\"> <strong>Monday 27 April \u2013 Tuesday 28 April 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b71509aa9456938057de5bb195119c3e\"><strong>Warsaw&nbsp;University of Technology, Poland<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/Kampus_Budynki_-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/Kampus_Budynki_-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/Kampus_Budynki_-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/Kampus_Budynki_-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/Kampus_Budynki_-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/Kampus_Budynki_-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-1313566407a8b41e64ac2a2add2b23b6\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75e4cefbb07dc3dad8861a763cba962d\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Conference programme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The theme of this year\u2019s conference is the end-to-end process of designing, developing, and deploying optimization projects. We will discuss not only models and algorithms, but how Operations Researchers can engage with end users, stakeholders and work with other specialists to deliver impact in their work. The core focus of the conference is this intersection of research, expertise and practical applications and how it affects OR projects in all stages, from conceptualization to practical use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The conference will explore how to make OR solutions more easily accessible to a wider, non-expert audience, and discussions and presentations will help us as practitioners better understand how we can bring our solutions into use. The goal is to increase the impact and usage of OR across industries and application domains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48a8ea2def0d3526937782a2f2fb0f6b\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Important dates:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>11 January, 2026:<\/strong>&nbsp;Submission deadline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>31 January, 2026:<\/strong>&nbsp;Notification of acceptance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>20 February, 2026:<\/strong>&nbsp;Final version of submissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>5 March, 2026:<\/strong>&nbsp;Author registration deadline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>20 March, 2026:<\/strong>&nbsp;Early bird registration deadline (registration for the conference dinner no longer possible after this date)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"http:\/\/europf2026.eventbrite.co.uk\/\">REGISTRATION, TRAVEL, ACCOMODATION<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/04\/europf2026-conference.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DETAILED PROGRAMME (PDF)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60907d621127af4d2fe4268e5f28c8a8\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Programme overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday 27 April, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>10:30 and 11:15 Guided campus walking tour (optional)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>12:00 Registration<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>12:30 Welcome session<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>12:45&nbsp;<strong>Keynote 1:&nbsp;<\/strong>S. Ciodyk (ORTEC):&nbsp;<em>Practical optimization: real-world success stories<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>13:35 Contributed talks (C1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>14:55 Coffee break<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>15:20&nbsp;<strong>Keynote 2:&nbsp;<\/strong>G. De Smet (Timefold):&nbsp;<em>How to build an open source solver and a company around it<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>16:10 Contributed talks (C2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>17:30 Parallel discussion groups<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>19:00 Close<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>20:00<\/em><em>&nbsp;<\/em><em>Conference dinner (optional)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday 28 April, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>8:00 Registration &amp; coffee<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8:30&nbsp;<strong>Keynote 3:&nbsp;<\/strong>M. K\u0142os (PSE):&nbsp;<em>Framing fairness: A practical approach to beyond-cost optimization for<\/em><em>&nbsp;TSOs\u2019 mathematical programming problems<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>9:20 Contributed talks (C3) \u2014 short presentations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10:00&nbsp;Panel discussion&nbsp;(main lecture hall) | Talent clinic (breakout rooms)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>10:40 Coffee break<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>11:10&nbsp;<strong>Keynote 4:&nbsp;<\/strong>P. Lichocki (Google):&nbsp;<em>An engineering perspective on mixed integer programming in<\/em><em>&nbsp;computer systems<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>12:00 Contributed talks (C4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>13:00 Lunch<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>14:15&nbsp;<strong>Keynote 5:&nbsp;<\/strong>T. Stopa (IBM):&nbsp;<em>Quantum computer \u2013 from holy grail to your favourite toy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>15:05 Contributed talks (C5) \u2014 short presentations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>16:00 Reports from discussion groups and closing remarks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>16:30 End of event<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>18:00&nbsp;Guided tour of the old town center of Warsaw (optional)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fe9eefb75885a01e6a98887ff1fef022\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Contact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For any inquiries, please&nbsp;contact the conference organisers on this address:<em>&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"mailto:epf2026@pw.edu.pl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">epf2026@pw.edu.pl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-05b355ee890643ed3df0cb2cb21b271a\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Sponsors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gold<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/fico-logo-coreblue-large.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2205\" style=\"width:248px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1429\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/hexaly-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2170\" style=\"width:250px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"490\" height=\"271\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/omp.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2207\" style=\"width:227px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Silver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"731\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/04\/Gurobi.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2228\" style=\"width:293px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2360\" height=\"1228\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/02\/ORTEC_logo-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2152\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bronze<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"984\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/bluesoft.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2204\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Institutional supporters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/web\/pages\/1\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2403\" height=\"1174\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/02\/Euro_Logo_RGB_big-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2156\" style=\"width:274px;height:auto\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"558\" height=\"220\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/EPF-logo.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2202\" style=\"width:250px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"366\" height=\"144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/airologo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2203\" style=\"width:254px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/airologo.jpg 366w, https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/airologo-300x118.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 366px) 100vw, 366px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2820\" height=\"2820\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/04\/Google.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2229\" style=\"width:253px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2362\" height=\"2362\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/04\/Orange.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2230\" style=\"width:175px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a04184d1337d5a1b3a250e9f0dd4cd13\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Keynote speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background\"><strong>Practical Optimization: Real-World Success Stories<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"130\" height=\"195\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/10\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2032\" style=\"width:185px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sylwester Ciodyk, Ortec Poland<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Abstract<\/strong>: In today\u2019s fast-moving world, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness is essential for every company. Drawing on my experience designing and deploying optimization systems at ORTEC, I\u2019ll share field-tested stories of how we connected algorithms to human goals and operational constraints. Join me as we reveal how optimization drives business transformation, with real-life examples such as smarter load building in e-commerce and improved forecasting in the energy sector, leading to significant operational savings. Expect pragmatic takeaways you can apply immediately\u2014how to quantify impact, handle uncertainty, and bridge the gap from prototype to production\u2014to deliver measurable savings and better service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biography<\/strong>: With 15 years in Product and Project Management, Sylwester specializes in optimizing processes and driving efficiency across Automotive, Location Intelligence, Energy, and Retail. Currently, supporting the Director of Operations for the European Energy sector, Sylwester oversees key performance indicators, assists executive leadership, and leads initiatives focused on cost-effective solutions and automation. Known for combining strategic insight with practical execution, Sylwester helps organizations achieve measurable efficiency and growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background\"><strong>An engineering perspective on mixed integer programming in computer systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"90\" height=\"135\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/10\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2040\" style=\"width:175px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pawe\u0142 Lichocki, Google<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Abstract<\/strong>: In this talk, we present Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) from an informal, practitioner&#8217;s perspective. MIP is a powerful, declarative approach to solving combinatorial optimization problems. One expresses the problem at hand via a mathematical model, while a &#8220;black-box&#8221; solver does the number crunching and finds a solution. In practice, building a MIP-based application entails a few challenges. The optimization model must faithfully capture the reality of the problem while remaining &#8220;solvable&#8221; by the available solvers. Moreover, the optimization component must be integrated with the production system in a clear and robust way. We describe these issues in examples distilled from real-life applications of MIP to large-scale computer systems. We discuss the art of crafting efficient formulations for typical requirements observed in computer systems, like fault tolerance or churn control. We provide practical hints on how to encapsulate and verify mathematical optimization within a larger production environment. Finally, we discuss the relevant engineering challenges such as input\/output validation, error resilience, and the ease of adding future extensions. Overall, we hope to shed light on the sometimes overlooked practical aspects of applying principled mathematical optimization to live and large-scale systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biography<\/strong>: Pawel Lichocki is a software engineer at Google in the Operations Research team. For the past +10 years, he has been contributing to dozens of projects relying on combinatorial optimization. In particular, he applied Mixed Integer Programming in many real-life, large-scale systems and products. His interests include both practical and theoretical aspects of optimization, as well as evolutionary biology, meta-heuristics, and machine learning. He received a PhD from the School of Computer and Communication Sciences at EPFL in 2013 for work on the evolution of division of labor in multi-agent systems. Prior, he was a researcher in the Supercomputer and Networking Center in Pozna,\u0144 where he worked on parallel and distributed processing algorithms. Recently, he has been exploring the possibility of using machine learning to improve MIP solvers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background\"><strong>Framing Fairness: A Practical Approach to Beyond-Cost Optimization for TSOs\u2019 Mathematical Programming Problems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-10 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"214\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/10\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2043\" style=\"width:253px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Micha\u0142 K\u0142os, PSE S.A. (the Polish Transmission System Operator)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Abstract<\/strong>: While Operational Research (OR) traditionally focuses on cost optimization, real-world applications often demand more than a single dimension of the objective function. In many real complex systems, the concept of &#8220;fairness&#8221; emerges as a crucial, yet subjective, element of the objective function. This talk explores how OR can be used to model and achieve equitable outcomes, even when &#8220;fairness&#8221; lacks a universal definition and must be translated into quantifiable objectives. We argue that incorporating fairness requires a deliberate shift from purely technical optimization toward a more nuanced approach that integrates stakeholders&#8217; perceptions to equity considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We present two distinct case studies from the energy sector that illustrate this challenge: Cost Distribution of Congestion Income and Cost Sharing of Remedial Actions. Through these examples, we demonstrate that achieving a &#8220;fair&#8221; outcome is not an add-on but an integral part of the modeling process. We conclude that successful applications of mathematical programming in this domain require not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the human and policy factors that define what is perceived as a just and equitable solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biography<\/strong>: Micha\u0142 K\u0142os is the Deputy Director for Computational Methods Development at the NCAE Bureau (Polish Transmission System Operator, PSE S.A.). Specializing in mathematical modeling and optimization for energy markets and power systems, he is focused on implementing complex EU regulations which affect energy markets and system operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His work has resulted in the development of practical algorithms, including the clustering algorithm used in the first Bidding Zone Review, as well as emergency DSR algorithms for procurement and operational dispatch. A graduate of Computational Physics from Jagiellonian University, with 12 years of experience as a researcher and consultant for the energy sector at National Centre for Nuclear Research. Being an active contributor to the European Energy Markets conference community, Micha\u0142 has authored over a dozen scientific publications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:38px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background\"><strong>How to build an open source solver and a company around it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-11 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"146\" height=\"146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/10\/image-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2044\" style=\"width:219px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Geoffrey De Smet, Timefold<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Abstract<\/strong>: Almost 20 years ago, I created an open source solver, now called Timefold Solver. These days, it is used across the globe to optimize vehicle routing problems, job shop scheduling, shift rostering and many other planning cases, directly or indirectly affecting the lives of millions of people.<br>In this keynote, I\u2019ll cover the challenges, successes and lessons learnt. What makes our solver unique. How our engineering culture handles trade-off decisions. And why the timing is right for all of us to make Operations Research mainstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biography<\/strong>: Geoffrey De Smet is founder\/CTO of Timefold and the creator of OptaPlanner, its predecessor. He\u2019s an expert in planning optimization, an active open source contributor and an international speaker. His technology is in use across the globe, to automate complex scheduling and routing of hundreds of thousands of employees, vehicles and machinery every day. Before founding Timefold, he worked as a Senior Principal Software Engineer at Red Hat (IBM), project lead at Schaubroeck and as an academic researcher at Kaho Sint-Lieven (KU Leuven).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background\"><strong>Quantum computer &#8211; from holy grail to your favorite toy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-12 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1384\" height=\"1384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euro-online.org\/websites\/or-in-practice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/10\/Picture5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2075\" style=\"width:251px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tomasz Stopa, IBM<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Abstract: <\/strong>For over 40 years the universal quantum computer was a holy grail for scientists. Today, we already have noisy, intermediate scale quantum computers (NISQ) to play with. These current devices are already believed to allow getting results beyond reach for classical supercomputers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the talk we&#8217;ll explore the current state of quantum computing technology on the example of IBM, we&#8217;ll see how to play with these toys and why they should become part of your scientific explorations. The talk will provide a review of promising OR applications of quantum computers and algorithms to start experimenting with. We&#8217;ll also explore current limitations and necessary gain of capabilities to allow for tackling really meaningful OR problems. Finally, we&#8217;ll cover when we plan to get the actual holy grail (error corrected quantum computer) and how we believe it will look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biography:<\/strong> Tomasz Stopa works as software development manager in IBM&#8217;s Krak\u00f3w Lab, Poland. He obtained his Ph.D. in theoretical solid state physics from AGH University of Science and Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IBM Master Inventor with 35 patents and scientific publications. As IBM Quantum Ambassador promotes quantum computing within industry, academia and high schools. Co-organizer of Krak\u00f3w Quantum Computing Seminar (KQIS) and mentor in quantum computing hackatho<em>ns.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organisation committee:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vladimir Fux, Zalando (Germany), Michele Quattrone,&nbsp;AirLiquide (France), Sander van Aken,&nbsp;Flix SE (Germany), Torkel Haufman, Sintef (Norway), Waldemar Kocjan, Boeing (Sweden), Izabela \u017b\u00f3\u0142towska,&nbsp;Warsaw University of Technology (Poland), Mariusz Kaleta, Warsaw University of Technology (Poland), Susanne Heipcke, FICO (France) &nbsp;<strong>chair<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:62px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Hosted by<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex 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\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unlocking OR for all: from Models to Business Impact Monday 27 April \u2013 Tuesday 28 April 2026 Warsaw&nbsp;University of Technology, Poland Conference programme The theme of this year\u2019s conference is 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