Future Events
Land Lecture
15 October 2025 | 16:00 - 17:30
Most operational researchers have reached the profession through studying mathematics or mathematical sciences, at least to first-degree level. Operational research implementations are often most successful where the people responsible for their commissioning and use themselves have enough mathematical understanding to recognise the value of an OR solution. So the mathematical literacy of the population is of crucial importance to our discipline, and this all begins with mathematics education. Yet still, in the UK, too many people emerge from school believing that maths is not for them; and despite increasing female success at A-level, there remains a gender divide.
Dame Celia Hoyles is uniquely well-qualified to comment on this: in her outstanding career, she has worked as maths teacher, communicator, maths education researcher, adviser and influencer, at levels from classroom to government. In this talk, she will be reflecting on mathematics in education through the lens of her personal history. What do we know? What is changing? And what are the lessons for widening participation in, and understanding of, OR and other mathematical sciences?
The WORAN Land Lecture is named for leading OR scientist Professor Ailsa Land. It is presented by an eminent female guest speaker on a topic that has particular resonance for women and for anybody who is concerned about female representation in OR and analytics. Its aim is to inspire, inform and support by making women visible as role models and contributors to science, exploring issues affecting women, and ensuring that women's voices are heard. It is usually held on or around Ada Lovelace Day (second Tuesday in October), the day for celebrating the achievements of women in STEM. Having moved online in 2020, we have continued to hold it online to maximise accessibility.
Book Land Lecture Here
WORAN Around the Regions
Joint event with WORAN, Analytics Network NorthEast, LASEORS, OR Network of Scotland, South Wales OR Network and Southern OR Network
20th November | 1.00–2.00:
Abstract: The Regional Societies aim to give people a chance to share and engage with OR professionals locally. WORAN aims to make the work of women more visible and enable them to network widely. Together, this event gives you a chance to discover what some OR and analytics women are doing in your region and around the UK. Hear from women in different parts of the country about the variety of inspiring and exciting work that makes up the fabric of OR and analytics. WORAN's lightning talks sessions have always had hugely positive feedback from audience and speakers alike, as a truly enjoyable and eye-opening way of sharing the diversity of OR/analytics work and workers, and we are sure this will be no exception. Watch this space for details of speakers and topics. We will be running this event as a 'hub and spoke'—if you would like to arrange a physical meeting with colleagues in your workplace, or locally or regionally, and log in collectively to the main online Zoom presentations, that is strongly encouraged.
Book Here