This International Women’s Day, we put the spotlight on OPTIMA PhD student, Zahra Namazian.

How did you get into optimisation?

My background in Industrial Engineering introduced me to optimisation and its power in solving real-world challenges. Its ability to model complex systems and find efficient solutions fascinated me. Over time, I realised optimisation isn’t just about numbers— it’s about smarter decisions, less waste, and greater efficiency. My PhD applies optimisation and AI to improve retail inventory management, enabling more accurate, data-driven decisions. Seeing these techniques bridge theory and real-world impact is deeply rewarding and drives my passion for this field.

Who is a woman you admire working in optimisation or STEM?

I deeply admire Professor María García de la Banda for her invaluable contributions to optimisation. A leader in constraint programming, combinatorial optimisation, and operations research, her work is widely recognised in academia and industry. She’s co-authored high-impact publications and advanced cutting-edge methodologies. Beyond her expertise, she’s a compassionate mentor who genuinely cares about students. Her support within our OPTIMA group has been transformative, fostering collaboration, innovation, and approachability. Her blend of technical brilliance and empathy makes her a true role model in STEM.

What is your advice for girls/women considering a career in optimisation?

Optimisation is a powerful field where mathematical models impact real-world problems, from logistics and healthcare to finance and sustainability. If you enjoy problem-solving and improving efficiency, this is a great field to explore. Be curious, seek mentors, and engage with industry and academia. Don’t shy away from challenges. Most importantly, believe in your ability to make a difference and embrace new opportunities. The field is evolving rapidly, with a growing need for diverse perspectives and skills.

What are you excited about for the future of optimisation?

The future of optimisation is exciting, especially with AI and machine learning transforming decision-making. This combination makes solutions more adaptive, scalable, and accurate. From supply chains to smart cities and sustainability, optimisation is driving efficiency and innovation. AI-powered models help businesses respond in real time, boosting customer satisfaction while cutting costs and waste. I look forward to seeing how these advancements shape a more data-driven, sustainable, and intelligent world!

Zahra is currently working with OPTIMA industry partner MECCA Brands on her PhD project. You can watch Zahra’s video showcasing optimisation applied in a real-world situation, and used in the retail sector: https://youtu.be/V3jXRULyQ4Q?si=2jgNtZJJmzVmf7jN.

International Women’s Day is on 8th March: www.internationalwomensday.com