Based in the United Kingdom, the society promotes the understanding and use of operational research in addressing real-world problems across various sectors, including industry, government, and academia.
Its mission is to advance the science and practice of operational research by encouraging innovation, promoting knowledge sharing, and offering support for OR professionals.
The roots of OR date back to World War II, where techniques such as simulation, optimisation, and statistics were used to enhance military operations.
After the war, these methods began to be applied to a wide range of industries and organisations, leading to the formation of a dedicated society to support professionals in this emerging field.
The OR Society was founded by pioneers in the field, including notable figures such as Sir Charles Goodeve and Patrick Blackett.
The society's first meeting was held in the London School of Economics, and its founding goal was to develop and disseminate OR techniques while providing a platform for networking and collaboration.
Previous presidents have included Sir Owen Wansbrough-Jones, Maurice Kendall, John Giffard, 3rd Earl of Halsbury, George Alfred Barnard, and K. D. Tocher.
These courses are aimed at OR professionals at various stages of their careers, from beginners looking to build foundational knowledge to advanced practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise.
These regional groups are an integral part of the society’s structure, allowing members to connect with other operational research professionals in their area through events.
The regional groups also collaborate with other local professional organisations and universities to deliver joint events and encourage interdisciplinary cooperation.
The society supports both academic institutions and individuals by promoting the teaching and study of operational research at all levels, from undergraduate to doctoral programs.
https://www.theorsociety.com/ProBonoOR Through the Pro Bono OR scheme, volunteer practitioners provide free operational research consultancy services to help non-profits improve efficiency, resource allocation, and decision-making processes.
The types of support provided include: Process optimisation: Helping organizations streamline their operations to reduce waste and improve productivity.
Data analysis and forecasting: Assisting with analysing large datasets to predict future trends, demand, or outcomes.
This initiative allows OR professionals to apply their skills to social good while gaining valuable experience in diverse settings.
This apprenticeship is equivalent to a master’s degree and provides a structured learning pathway that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience in applying OR techniques to real-world business challenges.
Participants develop expertise in areas such as mathematical modelling, decision analysis, simulation, and optimisation, equipping them with the skills to drive data-informed decision-making within organisations.
Through this program, apprentices are prepared to take on leadership roles in analytics and operations management, supporting the growing demand for data-driven problem solvers in various sectors.