Optimization Days 2026

HEC Montréal, Québec, Canada

May 11 — 13, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Optimization Days

Optimization Days is an annual conference organized alternately by the Group for Research in Decision Analysis (GERAD) and the Interuniversity Research Centre on Enterprise Networks, Logistics and Transportation (CIRRELT).

The conference aims to survey theory, numerical methods, and applications of optimization. It provides researchers from around the world the opportunity to exchange and to collaborate.

As part of Optimization Days 2026, a poster competition will be organized to showcase the work of the student community. Details on how to participate will be announced shortly. In addition, the François Soumis Award will be presented to a graduate student in recognition of excellence in their work.

Topics of interest include, but are not restricted to:

  • Conic and polynomial optimization
  • Constraint programming
  • Data-driven mathematical optimization and machine learning
  • Derivative-free optimization
  • Dynamic programming and optimal control
  • Game theory
  • Global optimization
  • Heuristics and metaheuristics
  • Linear and integer optimization
  • Multicriteria decision aid
  • Networks and graphs
  • Nonlinear optimization
  • Simulation
  • Smart grids
  • Statistical methods and data mining
  • Stochastic and robust optimization
  • Applications in all areas, and particularly in:
    • Biology
    • Energy, environment and natural resources
    • Financial engineering and mathematical finance
    • Health
    • Marketing
    • Operations management
    • Robotics
    • Scheduling
    • Telecommunications
    • Transportation

We especially encourage presentations on new methods of optimization and their applications. The conference languages will be French and English. In 2026, Optimization Days will be held at HEC Montréal, 3000 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, near the Campus of the Université de Montréal.

Plenary speakers:

  • Timothy Chan, University of Toronto, Canada
  • Michael Hewitt, Loyola University Chicago, USA
  • Stefan Irnich, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
  • Pascal Van Hentenryck, Georgia Tech, USA
  • Georges Zaccour, GERAD, HEC Montréal, Canada

 Tutorials:

  • Olivier Bahn, GERAD, HEC Montréal, Canada
  • Loubna Benabbou, GERAD, UQAR, Canada
  • Fuzhan Nasiri, GERAD, Concordia University, Canada
  • Walter Rei, UQAM, Canada

 The preliminary program will be available on our website in April 2026.

 Important Dates:

  • March 1st, 2026 - Deadline to sumbite applications for the François Soumis Award
  • March 15th, 2026 - Deadline to submit your abstract to participate in the poster competition
  • April 3rd, 2026 - Deadline for submission of abstracts for the Optimization Days
  • The notification of acceptance will be sent as abstracts will be submitted.
  • April 6th, 2026 - Deadline for the registration fee discount
ORGANIZERS

Okan Arslan, Olivier Bahn, Gilles Caporossi, Franklin Djeumou Fomeni, Janosch Ortmann and Frédéric Quesnel
GERAD, HEC Montréal
3000, chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal (Québec) Canada H3T 2A7
Fax: 514 340-5665
E-mail: congres@gerad.ca