Bangor University recently hosted the OR66 Annual Conference of The OR Society, welcoming approximately 300 delegates from around the world. The event was a tremendous success, blending contributions from academics and practitioners in the field of Operational Research (OR), and fostering critical knowledge exchange across sectors.
The conference was co-chaired by Dr Mosab Bazargani, Lecturer in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from the School of Computer Science and Engineering. It featured 23 parallel streams and several standout sessions, including the "Making Impact" panels and a discussion on "Knowledge Exchange Between Academia, Industry, and Government". These sessions included key contributions from Professor Paul Spencer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, and Dr Gilbert Owusu, Data and AI Director at BT and President of The OR Society. The event underscored Bangor's focus on real-world solutions and social responsibility, with discussions featuring prominent figures such as Chris Roberts, Co-Founder of North Wales Dragons Community Football Teams and a member of the FA Wales Sustainability Advisory Panel.
Professor William Heath, Head of the School of Computer Science and Engineering, remarked,
"The OR66 conference at Bangor University provided an excellent platform for knowledge exchange in operational research and data science, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. It highlighted the vital role that these disciplines play in solving real-world challenges, reinforcing our commitment to working with industry partners to drive innovation and impact".
Vice-Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke, in his opening address, emphasised Bangor's historical contributions to the field, including Professor George Hartley Bryan's pioneering work in aviation. He also noted the University's long-standing commitment to healthcare, sustainable development, and gender balance, all themes that resonated throughout the event. He said, "Operational Research is at its heart about solving real-world problems, and this conference will address a wide range of pressing issues – from sustainable agriculture and public health to driving innovations in the private sector".
In addition to the stimulating sessions and discussions, the conference featured plenary speakers from prominent organisations, including Dr Jeroen Mulder (Air France-KLM), Professor Sanja Petrovic (President-Elect of The OR Society), and Professor Michel Gendreau (past President of the Canadian Operational Research Society). Another highlight was the prestigious Presidential Medal competition, awarded to the Smith Institute for their exceptional work with National Grid ESO, potentially saving over 300 megawatts of reserve every 30 minutes.
The success of OR66 would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the organising committee, the University's dedicated staff, and our student volunteers. Special thanks are extended to Dr Mosab Bazargani, Llŷr Aled Hughes (Head of Customer Services & Business Support), and Ingrid Pedersen (Corporate Events Officer) for their pivotal roles in making the event a success.
