Women in OR & Analytics Network (WORAN)

The Women in OR & Analytics Network is a network for female OR practitioners and academics.

The gender imbalance in OR and STEM in general still presents many challenges both for academics and practitioners.

Whilst there is a lot of literature about the low proportions of women in STEM careers, no work had specifically been undertaken on the UK OR profession until 2018 when The OR Society sponsored three MSc research projects on the theme of women in OR.

Key findings from the three projects concluded that The OR Society should establish a network for women at work in OR and analytics to build strong, encouraging connections.

We need you

We need your voice, your knowledge and your experience in this group. Help us to build a strong, self-supporting network and to set better conditions for the next cohort of young women launching into their careers in OR and analytics.

Future Events 

A summer catch-up on what we’ve learnt and what’s next

23 July 2026
Online

This summer catch-up is an opportunity to pause, reflect and look ahead at what comes next for WORAN. Over the past few years, sessions have covered a wide range of important topics, from leadership and career progression to imposter syndrome, menopause in the workplace and neurodiversity in OR. This session will revisit some of the most impactful discussions, consider what we have learned, and explore what still feels unresolved. Whether you have attended previous sessions or are new to WORAN, your perspective will be welcome in helping shape future conversations.

Book Here

WORAN Breakfast 

8 -9am - 9th September 
University of Nottingham, United Kingdom

The OR Society's women's network, WORAN, warmly invites you to join us for a get-together over breakfast. Come to meet like-minded new faces or old friends, to make the most of the sharing, learning and enjoyment offered by every good conference, and every good network. Whether you are just starting out in your career or an experienced old hand, whether you are a morning person or have only just dragged yourself out of bed, whether you would love to talk or just want to listen, the connection, conversation and community will be a great way to start the day

---

 

ORS Annual Conference OR68: From Data to Decisions

8–10 September 2026
University of Nottingham, United Kingdom

For those engaged with the Women in OR Network, OR68 offers a space to connect, share experience, and highlight the contribution of women across operational research. The conference brings together practitioners and researchers to support visible role models, thoughtful discussion, and professional development, alongside high-quality OR in practice and research.

Book Here

Network Committee

Name	Role
Katherine Kent	Chair
Bethan Tidmarsh	Secretary

 

Events Subcommittee

Name	Role
Ruth Kaufman	Chair
Frances O'Brien	Member
Xiaochen Feng	Member
Jana Ries	Member

 

PR & Media Subcommittee

Name	Role
Seda Sucu	Chair
Annunziata Esposito Amideo	Member
Maria Sofia Alul	Member
Hugo Herrera	Member

 

Mentoring Subcommittee

Name	Role
Andrea White	Chair
Antuela Tako	Member
Kathy Kotiadis	Member
Sonya Crowe	Member
Mithu Norris	Member
Tatiana Gherman	Member

 

Meet the president Professor Sanja Petrovic

Our recent WORAN event introduced the network’s mission to support and empower women working across operational research, analytics, and related disciplines. During the session, WORAN’s president outlined the group’s vision for creating an inclusive community that promotes professional growth through mentorship, collaboration, and visibility. The discussion highlighted the importance of representation in analytical fields and encouraged members to connect, share experiences, and inspire the next generation of women in OR and analytics.