Optimization Days is an annual conference organized alternately by the Centre for Research on Transportation (C.R.T.) and the Groupe d'Études et de Recherche en Analyse des Décisions (GERAD). The aim of the meeting is to survey current research trends in optimization methods and their applications, and to provide an opportunity for interaction between various research groups from around the world. Topics of interest include, but are not restricted to:

Mathematical programming; heuristics; optimal control theory; numerical methods of optimization; statistical methods; applications to engineering, transportation, economics, management sciences, urban and environmental problems, resource management, biology, telecommunications, networks, robotics, expert systems, energy modelling, etc.

All those interested in optimization methods and their present or potential applications are invited to participate. We are especially interested in talks on new methods of optimization and their applications. The languages of the conference will be English and French.

In 2002, Optimization Days will be held at the École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Montréal, 3000 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, near the Campus of the Université de Montréal. Here is a list of the invited plenary speakers:

• Cynthia Barnhart, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  Service Network Design in Transportation and Logistics
• Alain Haurie, University of Geneva
  Operations Research and the Environment
• Brigitte Jaumard, Université de Montréal
  Optimizing and Dimensioning Multimedia 3G Networks
• Nelson Maculan, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
  Global Optimization of Potential Energy Functions in Molecular Biology

The preliminary program is now available. You can consult it by clicking on "Conference Program" in the menu on the left part of the screen.

Optimization Days 2002 will be followed immediately by the Spring School on Logistics and Distribution Management that will be held at École des Hautes Études Commerciales from May 8 to 10.