Tailored optimization: Kick-Off Meeting

We set the stage for a semester full of networking and collaboration on formulating a systematic tailoring process for solving real-world optimization problems.

When
14 Jan 2026 from 9 a.m. to 16 Jan 2026 5 p.m. CET (GMT+0100)
Where
CWI, Sciencepark 123, Amsterdam
Add

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Optimization problems are everywhere — from designing the optimal material composition for solar cells, to determining the right radiation dose in cancer treatment, to planning the most efficient train schedules.

However, while general optimization algorithms can usually provide working solutions, in practice the approach is usually refined for the specific problem at hand. This adaptation is a tedious and costly process, which begs the question: Can we systematize algorithm tailoring? Or even make some parts automatic?

During the Kick-off Meeting, we will establish a way to collect and organise experiences with tailoring algorithms and corresponding guidelines. In doing so, we kick off a semester full of events aiming to formulate recipes for optimization that actually work in practice.

Costs and Registration

The costs are €70 for the full event.

This event is invite-only. Invitees will receive a registration link.

Tentative Programme

Overview

📅 14 January: Kick-Off Day 1

  • Invite-only for 30-ish researchers with experience in applications
  • Goal: Identify applications and corresponding tailoring approaches, but successful and unsuccessful.

📅 15 January: Applications Day

  • Outreach event with domain experts from different fields
  • Goal: Together with domain experts, identify issues with and prospects for applying previously identified tailoring approaches to application settings at scale, generate interest in corresponding projects.

——> Programme to be announced.

📅 16 January: Kick-Off Day 2

  • Invite-only for 30-ish researchers with experience in applications
  • Goal: Collate identified applications, tailoring approaches and corresponding feedback, plan next steps.

Details Tentative Programme

14 January Kick-Off Day 1
⌚ 14 January: Kick-Off Day 1
09:30 – 10:00 Walk-in and coffee
10:00 – 11:00 Opening and organisation
11:00 – 12:30 Breakout Sessions (topics defined dynamically)
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:15 Breakout Sessions (topics defined dynamically)
15:15 – 15:30 Break
15:30 – 17:00 Summary and planning for Applications Day
Evening Social event
16 January: Kick-Off Day 2
⌚ 16 January: Kick-Off Day 2
09:30 – 10:00 Walk-in and coffee
10:00 – 11:00 Summary Applications Day and Organisation
11:00 – 12:30 Breakout Sessions (topics defined dynamically)
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:15 Breakout Sessions (topics defined dynamically)
15:15 – 15:30 Break
15:30 – 17:00 Summary and planning future steps

Hotel recommendations

Please be aware that hotel prices in Amsterdam can be quite steep. We strongly recommend all participants to secure their hotel reservations as early as possible!

From these hotels, CWI can be reached in 15-30 minutes with public transport. In all public transportation, you can check in and out with a Mastercard or Visa contactless credit card and also with Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

CWI research semester programmes

This workshop is part of the broader CWI research semester programmes, that are designed to foster and accelerate collaborative research within the national mathematics and computer science communities.

Fundamental research in computer science and mathematics can make major contributions to important scientific and societal challenges. For example, think of recent developments in the context of AI and health care, the energy transition or fairness of algorithms. CWI Research semester programmes focus on challenging topics to which the national research community can make an important research contribution with both scientific and societal impact.

See here for more information on upcoming and past research semester programmes