Ouagadougou:The inaugural Operational Research Week commenced at Joseph KI-ZERBO University, aiming to enhance the application of scientific decision-making tools to address Burkina Faso's development challenges.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, organized by the Operations Research and Artificial Intelligence team of the Laboratory of Numerical Analysis, Computer Science and Biomathematics, runs from September 28 to October 1, 2026. It focuses on the theme: "Operations Research in the service of decision-making, innovation and sustainable development."
Professor Lamine Zerbo, director of the Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, described Operations Research as "a decision science" that integrates mathematical modeling, optimization, algorithms, simulation, and data analysis. These tools allow for the comparison of scenarios, measurement of consequences, and identification of solutions that benefit the collective interest.
Professor Zerbo highlighted several areas where these tools can have tangible impacts in Burkina Faso, such as planning patrols and relief resources, delivering humanitarian aid, managing hospital beds and health products, transportation, teacher allocation, irrigation, planting planning, and reducing post-harvest losses. He emphasized that while Operations Research does not replace field experience or decision-maker responsibility, it provides a structured framework for more efficient and transparent actions.
Professor Kounhinir Som, the event's patron, stressed the importance of aligning research with the population's real-world concerns. He noted the discipline's potential in addressing issues related to agriculture, health, transportation, humanitarian logistics, and resource management, while also considering economic efficiency, social equity, environmental protection, and the needs of vulnerable populations.
The event also seeks to bolster scientific cooperation among various universities and centers. Participants include representatives from Norbert Zongo University, Nazi Boni University, Thomas Sankara University, Lda Bernard Ouedraogo University, the Higher Teacher Training College, the Polytechnic School of Ouagadougou, and university centers in Dori, Kaya, and Tenkodogo. Researchers from the Flix Houphout-Boigny University of Ivory Coast and the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo are also in attendance.
Professor Som highlighted the potential for joint research, co-supervision, exchanges of young researchers, and inter-university projects to tackle common challenges faced by African nations.
Dr. Zonaba Sr/Savadogo, chairwoman of the organizing committee, stated that the first edition aims to promote scientific and technical skills and bridge the gap between academic research and practical realities. She argued that Operations Research can "transform complexity into solutions, data into useful information, and problems into informed decisions."
The organizers plan to conduct Burkinabe case studies, collectively model five societal problems, including at least one related to agriculture, and prepare for at least three future scientific collaborations.
Professor Francis Bassono, director of the UFR Exact and Applied Sciences, affirmed his unit's readiness to support initiatives that promote scientific research and enhance the skills of the university community. Through this event, the organizers hope to make Operational Research a more accessible and useful tool for development, resilience, and the well-being of populations.