Tom Van Woensel

Title

Tom _Van_Woensel_crop_1

Full Professor in Freight Transport & Logistics, TU/e Eindhoven University of Technology

Education

  • Ph.D., Operations Management, University of Antwerp, Belgium, 2003
  • M.S., Applied Economics, University of Antwerp, Belgium, 1997
  • B.S., Applied Economics, University of Antwerp, Belgium, 1995

Professional Experience

  • Director of the European Supply Chain Forum, 2017-Present
  • Vice-dean of Education, 2019-Present
  • Collaborating member, CIRRELT, Montreal, Canada, 2017-Present
  • Full Professor in Freight Transport & Logistics, 2011-Present
  • Associate Professor in Operations Management & Logistics, 2010-2010
  • Assistant Professor in Retail Operations, 2003-2010

Selected INFORMS and Related Activities (Member since 1998)

  • President, Transportation Science and Logistics (TSL) Society, 2017 (elect), 2018, 2019 (past)
  • Transportation Science and Logistics (TSL) Conferences, Member of the Scientific committee, 2017, 2023
  • Transportation Science and Logistics (TSL) Workshops, Member of the Scientific committee, 2015, 2016, 2018-2022
  • Member of the Organizing Committee Transportation Science and Logistics (TSL) Conference, 2020
  • Member of the Organizing Committee of the Transportation Science and Logistics (TSL) Workshop, 2021

Selected Professional Honors and Awards

  • Senior Member, Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), 2024
  • Outstanding professor in Supply Chain and Logistics award, Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Society, 2022
  • European Journal of Operational Research Best Review Paper, 2014

Selected Publications

More details here: https://www.tomvanwoensel.com

My research encompasses a wide range of freight transport and logistics topics, employing advanced analytical methods to address complex challenges. I specialize in developing innovative O.R. models and AI techniques. My work often involves collaborating with industry partners to solve real-world problems, ensuring that my research has practical applications and significant impact.

Candidate Statement

As a candidate for INFORMS Vice President – International Activities, I am committed to strengthening INFORMS’ global impact through meaningful international collaborations, leadership, and productive partnerships.

If elected, my vision is to expand INFORMS’ international reach by building on existing partnerships and forging new collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, particularly in emerging markets. I will prioritize targeted outreach and mentorship programs to grow international membership and strengthen regional chapters. I believe that by supporting our members globally, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant community. I am committed to engaging with international stakeholders to ensure that INFORMS’ activities and publications are accessible and relevant. These initiatives will help INFORMS embrace a “big tent approach,” welcoming diverse perspectives and expanding our global footprint.

To further globalize INFORMS events, I advocate for increasing the number of conferences held outside North America, expanding virtual participation options, and incorporating international keynote speakers to reflect the diversity of our global community. I also envision special journal issues dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges, alongside the creation of a new international research award that recognizes outstanding contributions from members worldwide. An enhanced, dedicated online platform will play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and resource sharing among our members across different regions.

I am committed to developing regional workshops and specialized community conferences in partnership with local institutions, which will enable deeper engagement with diverse academic and professional communities. I plan to launch global practitioner panels and industry-academia roundtables to foster meaningful dialogue and innovation, ensuring that INFORMS events address both theoretical and real-world challenges. Supporting the next generation of leaders is also a priority, so I will promote international student and early-career researcher forums, including mentorship programs and networking opportunities that nurture emerging talent worldwide.

Deepening partnerships for joint events with other international societies such as EURO and IFORS will broaden our reach and leverage complementary expertise. To encourage greater industry involvement and support for our global initiatives, I aim to expand sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities at international events. Together, these efforts will ensure that INFORMS events become more globally accessible, fostering stronger connections across regions, sectors, and career stages, and advancing our shared mission on the world stage.

My professional journey is defined by extensive international engagement. I had the privilege of collaborating with diverse teams and institutions worldwide. These roles allowed me to build a robust international network and develop a global perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing operations research and analytics. Within INFORMS, I served in several leadership roles, including as past chair of the Transportation Science and Logistics Society and as associate editor for Transportation Science. These experiences provided me with a deep understanding of INFORMS’ mission and the needs of our international membership.

I am grateful to have the full support of my university, including travel to INFORMS activities and meetings with partner organizations. This institutional backing ensures I can dedicate myself fully to advancing INFORMS’ international initiatives.

While I bring significant experience in international collaboration and leadership, I am also eager to listen, learn, and grow in this new capacity. I am committed to understanding the needs of our global members and working tirelessly to enhance INFORMS’ international presence and impact.

Together, we can create an INFORMS that not only serves but inspires our worldwide community, advancing the frontiers of operations research and analytics through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as Vice President – International Activities and contribute to INFORMS’ continued growth and global success.

For more information, please visit https://www.tomvanwoensel.com