Bursaries Available for the NATCOR Heuristic Optimisation and Learning Course (2022)

NATCOR (http://www.natcor.ac.uk/), a National Taught Course Centre in Operational Research, delivers taught courses to PhD students, on a number of different topics in OR. The upcoming NATCOR training is on “Heuristic Optimisation and Learning” that will be organised by the Computational Optimisation and Learning (COL) research group (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/col/) at the University of Nottingham from 25 - 29 April 2022. This course covers the main AI/CS/OR concepts and techniques for the development of heuristic algorithms (local search, meta-heuristics, multi-objective heuristics, hyper-heuristics, evolutionary algorithms), providing insights into complexity theory, automated algorithm design, big data science and machine learning in the context of heuristic optimisation. The course will be delivered by the experts with a strong track record in the design and deployment of these methods tackling real-world problems. The course is suitable for participants from a wide range of backgrounds, from those that are new to optimisation to those that already have knowledge in some of the main topics (optimisation, heuristics, algorithmics, big data science, machine learning) but want to learn about the other topics and their interactions.

Four bursaries will be supported by the University of Nottingham through the Alan Turing Institute’s Turing Network Development Award (https://www.turing.ac.uk/) for successful students to attend the NATCOR “Heuristic Optimisation and Learning” course (http://www.natcor.ac.uk/courses/). These bursaries will cover course fees and accommodation (including bed and breakfast only). Any additional costs incurred (including travel) will not be covered by the bursary.

Applicants must be PhD students with good English Language skills, as the NATCOR training on “Heuristic Optimisation and Learning” will be in English. Preference will be given to applicants outside the Operational Research / Management Science / Business Analytics (OR/MS/BA) discipline, and supporting disadvantaged students. Preference will also be given to applicants who have not previously received support to attend a NATCOR training.

To apply for a bursary, candidates should fill out the >>online application form here<< (https://forms.gle/Yn4Eex5zqQ91fqhv8) and submit a zip file containing (1) their curriculum vitae (including their academic track record), and (2) a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. Applicants should declare on their application if they are receiving any additional support from their PhD funding body or other sponsor. Please do not register for the NATCOR “Heuristic Optimisation and Learning” course until you have received notification of the outcome of your application, as fees will be payable. Please contact Prof Ender Özcan (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience/people/ender.ozcan) for queries.