Solent: University of Portsmouth to launch operational research and logistics centre

Businesses are invited to attend a free event to launch a new centre for operational research and logistics.

The University of Portsmouth is launching the Centre for Operational Research and Logistics (CORL) to help SMEs, large companies and public bodies apply advanced analytical methods to make better decisions.

The cross-faculty centre brings together academics from the department of mathematics, Portsmouth Business School, and the Institute of Industrial Research with multidisciplinary expertise on the science of data and the science of better decisionmaking.

Professor of operational research and director of CORL, Dylan Jones, said: “Linking with this centre will give executives the power to make more effective decisions and build more productive systems.

“Mathematicians would often use mathematical modelling to analyse complex situations but what is so exciting about this centre is we’re bringing together brilliant minds from different subject areas to strengthen the quality of operational research here at Portsmouth.”

The centre will bring together industry partners and experts in data analytics and decisionmaking to identify current challenges in the following areas:

• logistics, transportation and supply chain management
• maritime logistics
• healthcare
• renewable energy and sustainability.

Dr Djamila Ouelhadj, associate professor in operational research and logistics and knowledge transfer coordinator of CORL, said: “The key aim of the centre is to achieve research excellence in the fields of operational research and logistics, and enhance the University’s knowledge transfer activities to deepen the strategic partnership between CORL and business to address greater industrial challenges.

“Our knowledge transfer strategy is to promote more effective engagement with industry to maximise the impact of operational research on business operations and logistics.”

The launch event is from 8.30am – 2.30pm on June 18 in the University’s Richmond Building.

Keynote speakers include John Hopes, vice president of the operational research society; Michael Robinson, commercial director for Entec Global; Dr Rob Furlong, KTN business development manager; Dr Neil Grice, Knowledge Transfer Partnership adviser; and Dr Alistair McDermott, director of innovation services, University of Portsmouth.

To register for this free event click here.