The event counted with the presence of the Principal of the UV, Mª Vicenta Mestre, the Principal of the UPV Francisco Mora, the President of the Valencian Government, Ximo Puig, the President of the conference, Greet Vanden, and the President of the Sociedad de Estadística en Investigación Operativa, Emilio Carrizosa. The co-organizer of the UV Ramón Álvarez-Valdés and the UPV Rubén Ruiz were also present at the event.

In her own words, the Principal Mª Vicenta Mestre stated, “I am proud of inaugurating the conference Euro 2018. I cordially welcome all the participants”. “The Universitat de València is a modern and open university, which is proud of hosting the prestigious 29th International Conference Euro 2018 organised by the Association of European Operational Research Societies. It includes all 32 national societies of operational research,” indicated Mestre.

The President Ximo Puig highlighted the importance of operational research on a daily basis. “Your research is important for climate change, the optimization of the production, road and air safety, the organization of healthcare centres or the assessment of public investments.

Almost 2500 experts in operational research coming from 77 countries gather in Valencia from Sunday to Wednesday to address the last developments of this area of knowledge. They will gather on the occasion of the International Conference Euro 2018, organised by the Universitat de València and the Universitat Politècnica de València.

Operational research is in the frontier between mathematics, Engineering, IT and Economy, etc. It implements complex methods for optimizing the resolution of problems derived from managing large systems in different areas such as industry, economy, trade, or health.

During this conference, other themes will be addressed such as the optimization of supply chains, logistics, transport, production, inventories, quality management, finances, sales, etc.

They will also speak on operational research for the efficient management of large infrastructure such as harbours, airports or even for improving the industrial production. In the healthcare area, it can be used for optimising surgery schedules or the management the medical staff in hospitals.

“The importance of the Euro 2018 resides in the number of researchers and experts from 77 different countries that will work in over 50 parallel sessions and plenary meetings with the participation of important figures such as the Principal of the MIT, Cynthia Barnhart, world expert in air transport logistics,” explained Ramón Álvarez-Valdés, professor of Statistics and Operational Research of the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences of the Universitat de València and co-organizer of the conference.

The first edition took place in 1975. There have been 28 editions of the conference since then (the one in Valencia will be the 29th). Euro 2018 has consolidated itself as the best way to stablish new collaboration between groups of research form all the world.

“Women in science” on Monday with the Principal of the MIT

In addition, the first edition of Women in Science will take place. It is an event that focuses in scientific women and their history. It will take place on Monday at 5.45 p.m. at the assembly hall of the Nexus building.

Women in Science will count with excellent lecturers: Cynthia Barnhart, Principal of the MIT and professor of Engineering of the Ford Foundation; Elena Fernández, professor of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya; Nuria Oliver, director of Data Science Research in Vodafone (streaming); and Maria Gracia Speranza, President of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS) and professor of the University of Brescia.

They will speak about their experiences in a talk entitled “The role of women in Science and Technology: past, present and future”.

Additionally, during this event there will be a photographic exhibition that will outline the most important women in the area of science and technology through history. The exhibition is organised by the President, David Ibáñez, and the Vice-president, Nuria Carrasco, of the Asociación de Tecnología y Ciencia de Bétera (ASSTEC).