Mathematical Optimization and Operations Research

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Mathematical Optimization and Operations Research Program supports basic and applied research in mathematical optimization. The primary focus of the basic-research portion of the program is research in linear, nonlinear, integer, and combinatorial optimization. Theoretical development, algorithm design and analysis, computational techniques, and software prototypes for solving large-scale problems are of interest. Techniques that produce provably optimal or near-optimal solutions, as well as techniques applicable to large problem domains are favored. This includes, but is not limited to, cutting-plane and polyhedral techniques for mixed-integer programming and interior-point and first-order algorithms for conic/convex optimization. Innovative techniques for dealing with uncertainty from stochastic optimization, robust optimization, and simulation-based optimization are of growing interest. The primary focus of the applied-research portion of the program is on the development of innovative models and solution techniques for Navy-relevant problems in resource allocation, such as those arising in mission planning, command and control, and logistics. Current application areas of interest are maritime mission planning and unmanned sensor management and allocation.