Optimisation is the science of making the best possible decisions when resources are limited and complexity is high. For industry, it transforms complex challenges into opportunities by improving efficiency, reducing costs and enabling smarter use of available resources.

From supply chain planning and manufacturing to inventory management, staff rostering, healthcare delivery, transport systems and financial decision-making, optimisation provides powerful tools to help organisations make informed, data-driven decisions.

Since 2021, OPTIMA has built an international, multi-institutional ARC training centre based at the University of Melbourne and Monash University that brings together leading expertise with a strong focus on applied impact. Through close collaboration with industry, the centre has developed projects that address real-world challenges while training the next generation of researchers in advanced problem-solving and decision science.

Today, OPTIMA is the largest optimisation centre in the Southern Hemisphere, with a growing national and international reputation across both academia and industry. By connecting experts in mathematics, computer science, engineering, business and related disciplines, OPTIMA provides a collaborative platform that advances optimisation research and delivers practical solutions to complex challenges across multiple sectors.

Optima's Mission

Industrial transformation through stronger connections between academics and industry, supported by the increased uptake of trusted and sophisticated technologies.

Building Capability and Driving Change

We offer our students and academics opportunities to build their research skills, measure impact and develop projects. We connect them with industry, and we offer them: student exchanges, impact awards, grants for research, supervision opportunities, the chance to attend essential conferences and more.

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Latest from Bluesky

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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 29/10/2026
Our first Optimisation in Action video is here! Meet OPTIMA student Liam Timms, whose research is developing new optimisation methods for renewable energy sources. In this short video, Liam explains the role of optimisation in the future of renewable energy. youtu.be/CyrprJBFYIQ #OPTIMA #Renewable
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youtu.be Developing new optimisation methods for renewable energy sources
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 22/10/2026
Yesterday we celebrated 5 years of OPTIMA! 🥳🎉 From a small team in 2021 to a community of over 170 members, thank you to our researchers, students, partners and supporters for being part of the journey. #OPTIMA #Optimisation #5thBirthday
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 22/10/2026
We're thrilled to announce MACSYS as our Childcare Sponsor for OPTIMA-CON 27! Their support will help us offer childcare during the three-day conference so more parens and carers can fully participate. More info here: con27.optima.org.au #OPTIMACON27
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 22/10/2026
We're delighted to announce Gurobi Optimisation as a Platinum Sponsor on OPTIMA-CON 27! Gurobi will sponsor an Industry Challenge Session where delegates tackle a real-world optimisation problem using Gurobi Technology. More info: con27.optima.org.au #OPTIMACON27
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 01/10/2026
Recently we brought together the optimisation community for the annual OPTIMA Debate to explore the question: Why optimise when AI has the answers? Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event such a success! 🎥 Full Debate: www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2EO... #AI #OPTIMA
8 people standing in a line in smart casual wear, infront of a large screen and tables.
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 30/09/2026
We are excited to announce the Student Travel Grant for OPTIMA-CON 27! Designed to support postgraduate students to attend & engage with OPTIMA-CON 27 🆕Student Travel Grant 🔷ECA Travel Grant 🔷Women in Optimisation Travel Grant Want more info? Apply now! con27.optima.org.au/grant-opport... #STEM
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 24/09/2026
The Monash AI Institute has joined OPTIMA-CON 27 as a Platinum Sponsor! This partnership highlights the important intersection of optimisation and AI. An Industry Breakfast Briefing will be hosted to connect research, industry and practice. Find out more: con27.optima.org.au #AI #Optimisation
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 03/09/2026
OPTIMA Debate 2026 is only 1 week away! Make sure you're registered! Six OPTIMA debaters tackle how much optimisation still matters in an AI‑driven world. Join us at Melbourne Connect on 10 Sept. Free and open to all. Register now: www.melbconnect.com.au/events/optim... #optimisation #ai
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 20/08/2026
OPTIMACON 2027 (8-10 Feb) welcomes keynote speakers Prof. Kate Smith-Miles AO FAA, Dr Christina Burt, and Pascal Van Hentenryck. If you want to share your complex industrial challenge, or optimisation research you can submit an Abstracts for OPTIMACON: con27.optima.org.au/abstracts #optimisation #ai
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OPTIMA ARC Industry Training Centre 17/08/2026
The OPTIMA Debate is back for 2026! Join researchers, industry experts, and students at Melbourne Connect on 10/9 for OPTIMA Debate. 6 OPTIMA debaters will discuss questions like: Why Optimise When AI Has the Answers? Free registration: www.melbconnect.com.au/events/optim... #Optimisation #AI
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