Gopal Saha | Operations Research | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Innovation Technologist

Mr. Gopal Saha | Operations Research | Best Researcher Award

PhD student at IIT Roorkee | India

Mr. Gopal Saha is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Management Studies at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, with primary research interests in Integer Programming, Optimization, Transportation and Routing Problems, Machine Learning, and Game Theory. His scholarly work focuses on integrating operations research and data analytics to address real-world decision-making and sustainability challenges. He has presented influential research papers at renowned international conferences, including the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM) and the Transportation Infrastructure Projects: Conception to Execution (TIPCE), earning accolades such as a special mention award and selection for the Best Paper Award shortlist. Mr. Saha has actively participated in specialized academic workshops, including the ACM India Winter School, GIAN courses, and Large Scale Optimization programs at IITs, reflecting his deep engagement with cutting-edge research. His technical proficiency spans Python, C++, CPLEX, Gurobi, Pyomo, Sklearn, and Google OR-Tools, allowing him to combine computational models with theoretical insights in optimization and management science. As a Teaching Assistant, he has contributed to prestigious online programs on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Strategic Supply Chain Management offered by IIT Roorkee in collaboration with Deloitte USI and Coursera. His growing academic footprint includes 1 citation, an h-index of 1, (all since 2020), highlighting his emerging impact in the field. Mr. Saha’s work exemplifies a strong blend of analytical rigor, innovation, and interdisciplinary research in optimization and management.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Saha, G., & Gupta, M. K. (2023). Fair cost-savings allocation in transportation game. In Proceedings of the 2023 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM). IEEE.

  2. Saha, G., & Gupta, M. K. (2025). Fair cost savings allocation in two-stage fixed-cost transportation problem. INFOR: Information Systems and Operational Research, 1–39.

 

 

Erik De Kuyffer | Planning Optimization | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Innovation Technologist

Mr. Erik De Kuyffer | Planning Optimization | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at University of Ghent, Belgium

Erik De Kuyffer is a seasoned project and program manager with extensive experience in IT, logistics, customer service, and business development. His expertise lies in optimization, innovation, and people management, making him a valuable asset in various industries. He has led teams, managed complex projects, and developed new services across multiple organizations.

Publication Profile 

Scopus

Orcid 

Educational Background 🎓

  • Ongoing: Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, Ghent University (UGent)
  • 2011: Postgraduate TIM, HoGent
  • 2008: ManaMa Avionica & Spacionica, KHBO
  • 1997: Industrial Engineer Chemistry, KAHO Sint-Lieven
  • 1990: ASO Latin-Mathematics, Sint-Michielscollege Brasschaat

Professional Experience 💼

Current Position:

  • INDEFF (2023 – Present) – Freelance Managed Services Lead
    • Leads project and program management initiatives.
    • Manages IT and OT teams.
    • Develops and markets new services.

Previous Roles:

  • Qurtinz (2021 – 2023) – Freelance Project Manager
    • Oversaw daily operations, customer service, and IT management.
    • Managed administrative and installation teams.
  • INDEFF (2018 – 2021) – PM/Regional Director
    • Handled project/program management, business development, and support teams.
  • Vandapower (2017) – Operations Director
    • Managed production, logistics, and quality control.
    • Supervised operational teams.
  • Barco N.V. (2015 – 2017) – Customer Service Manager
    • Improved customer service flows and developed new services.
    • Led a team of engineers.
  • Generix Group (2012 – 2015) – PM/Customer Service Manager
    • Managed software projects, presales, and customer service.
  • Net Solutions/Eozen (2006 – 2012) – Project Manager
    • Led software and IT projects, technical analysis, and presales activities.
  • Influe Benelux NV (1999 – 2006) – Technical Manager EDI/VMI
    • Managed technical implementations, parameter settings, and project coordination.
  • GHD Katoennatie Gent (1998 – 1999) – Logistic Warehouse Manager
    • Oversaw daily warehouse operations for Volkswagen.
  • Procter & Gamble (1997 – 1998) – Research Associate
    • Conducted market research for detergent product launches.

Research Interests 🔬

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Project Management Optimization
  • IT and Digital Transformation
  • Automation and Process Optimization
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Awards and Honors🏆✨

  • Prince2 Certificate (Project Management)
  • Recognized expertise in project/program management across multiple industries.

Conclusion🌟

Erik De Kuyffer is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in project and program management, IT, logistics, and artificial intelligence. His diverse career spans leadership roles across industries, showcasing expertise in business development, innovation, and optimization. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in AI at Ghent University, he continues to explore cutting-edge technologies and their applications in various domains.

Publications 📚

📌 Travel route and formation optimization for flocks of drones in package delivery by using an ACO based V-Shape algorithm
📅 2024-12 | 📚 Results in Engineering
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103627
✍️ Contributors: E. De Kuyffer, W. Joseph, L. Martens, T. De Pessemier

📌 Offshore windmill and substation maintenance planning with Distance, Fuel consumption and Tardiness optimisation
📅 2023 | 📚 Operations Research Perspectives
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.orp.2023.100267
✍️ Contributors: E. De Kuyffer, K. Shen, L. Martens, W. Joseph, T. De Pessemier