INFORMS

INFORMS is the University of Pittsburgh Student Chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). We are a student–led organization that connects students in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Data Science, and related fields through events that support academic growth, professional development, and community engagement.

Our events and initiatives include:

  • Research Presentations where students share their work, receive feedback, and learn about ongoing projects
  • Journal Club, a new initiative starting Fall 2025, where participants read and discuss foundational and current research papers in operations research and related fields.
  • Technical Workshops on topics such as Python programming, optimization with Gurobi, Git, object-oriented programming, and coding best practices.
  • Guest Speaker Events featuring professionals from industry and academia who present their research and/or share insights into real-world applications and career paths.
  • Coffee Talks with faculty members in informal settings where students can ask questions and learn from their experiences.
  • Outreach Activities that introduce Operations Research to the broader community including undergraduates and local K–12 students through talks and interactive lessons.
  • Social Events like welcome gatherings, Friendsgiving, and post-exam dinners to help students connect and support one another.
  • Intern Panels where students share their experiences applying for and working in internships across different private and public sectors.
  • Mock Qualifying Exams that offer Industrial Engineering PhD students a realistic environment to practice for their oral qualifying exams with guidance from peers.

We're also always open to launching new events and collaborations that serve the needs and interests of our community!

INFORMS serves as a hub for students to grow academically and professionally while building connections across the university and beyond. We welcome participation from students across disciplines and encourage anyone interested to get involved.