Connecting our community: WORDS in Bristol and the launch of PRISM

Operational Research is a broad field, which is why our community is supported by Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Regional Networks. Run by members, for members, these groups offer one of the best ways to connect with others in your region or area of interest.

Joining a SIG allows you to connect with peers working in areas such as simulation, behavioural OR and problem structuring. You can share knowledge, consider new approaches and discuss common challenges. You can also join more than one group, so explore the current list and find the communities that are right for you.

This summer brings two updates from our Networks. WORDS held its annual meeting in Bristol, while a new Network for participatory research, behavioural science and policy modelling is preparing to launch at OR68.

WORDS Network meets in Bristol

The Western OR Discussion Network (WORDS) held its 2026 Summer Meeting on 8 July at the University of Bristol Business School, drawing members from Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, Cranfield and Loughborough despite the summer heat.

Four presentations covered supply chains, food waste and healthcare. Jingrong Bai from the University of Bristol opened with joint work on sourcing decisions in remanufacturing. Yuan Tian examined how retailers might use markdowns and surprise bags to reduce food waste. Fatemeh Alidoost from the University of Exeter presented a value stream mapping and simulation framework for a hospital pharmacy unit, while Onyeka Chukwuka from the University of Bristol closed the programme with research into supply networks in the biotechnology sector.

Several talks were delivered by PhD students presenting alongside their supervisors, offering valuable experience of communicating research in a supportive setting. Each presentation prompted lively discussion, with conversations continuing well beyond the final session.

Thank you to the University of Bristol Business School for hosting the meeting, and to all the speakers and attendees who took part. WORDS covers the south-west of England and welcomes students, academics and practitioners alike.

New PRISM Network launches at OR68

A new Network, PRISM, will launch at OR68 this September. PRISM stands for Participatory Research in Interventions, Behavioural Science and Policy Modelling, and will connect academics and practitioners working on complex organisational and public policy challenges.

Operational Research is increasingly being used to address problems that cross sectors and disciplines. Technical analysis alone is often not enough. Meaningful engagement with stakeholders and policymakers is also needed, along with methods that work in practice as well as in theory.

PRISM will provide a home for members interested in participatory research, behavioural science and policy design, while also creating opportunities to collaborate with existing SIGs and Networks.

The launch will take place during a 90-minute parallel session on Tuesday 8 September 2026. Why PRISM, Why Now? will be chaired by Gilberto Montibeller and Irene Pluchinotta, with Martin Kunc, Frances O’Brien, Ine Steenmans, Chris Smith and Katie Gronow discussing the motivations behind the Network and where it fits within the OR Society.

An interactive workshop will follow, giving attendees the opportunity to raise the questions and ideas they would like PRISM to address.

It is a chance to help shape the Network from its earliest stages and connect with others working in participatory, behaviourally informed and policy-focused OR.

Interested in WORDS, PRISM or one of our other SIGs and Networks? Explore the current list and find your community.