TOSCA marks official launch with research showcase
The Centre for Technology, Operations and Supply Chain Analysis has officially launched, marking a milestone for research at Leeds University Business School.
The Centre for Technology, Operations, and Supply Chain Analysis (TOSCA) was officially launched on 24 April 2026, marking an important milestone in advancing impactful, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology, operations, and supply chains.
The launch event opened with a warm welcome from Professor Julia Bennell and Professor Antonino Sgalambro, followed by an introduction to the research centre by Nicky Shaw and Mahdi Bashiri, setting the scene for a day of insightful discussion and engagement. Attendees then enjoyed two inspiring keynote presentations. Rich McIntyre (VP Consulting Expert) shared valuable insights on “The role of new technologies in operations, supply chains, and business through a consulting and entrepreneurial lens”, drawing on his extensive experience across industry and innovation. Christine Currie (Professor of Operational Research, University of Southampton) followed with a thought‑provoking keynote on “Trends and future challenges in transport, healthcare, supply chains, sustainability, and wider societal systems”, offering a strategic perspective on emerging global challenges.
The event also featured a highly engaging panel discussion with Helen Ellerton (Head of Transport Policy, West Yorkshire Combined Authority), Hutan Ashrafian (Clinician Scientist and Surgeon, and Visiting Professor of Research Impact, LUBS), Muzahir Tayebjee (Consultant in Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology, NHS LTHT, and Lead Consultant for Virtual Wards), Steve Jewitt (Managing Director, Decrobond Ltd), and Stuart Hayes (Head of Data, Ligentia). The panel explored key challenges and opportunities across transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and supply chains, highlighting where research centres such as TOSCA can play a meaningful role in developing impactful, practice‑relevant solutions.
In addition, the launch showcased a breadth of excellent presentations from TOSCA members Antonino Sgalambro, Davood Shiri, Jie Chen, Deepak Arunachalam, Jyoti Mishra, Maria Bettina Asilo, Nicky Shaw, Mahdi Bashiri, and Chee Yew Wong. Collectively, these presentations reflected the depth, diversity, and ambition of TOSCA’s research agenda.
The event brought together academics from national and international universities, alongside representatives from industry, business, policy, SMEs, large organisations, and the Operational Research Society. This diverse mix of perspectives reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing real‑world challenges.
As a next step, TOSCA is keen to strengthen collaboration with practitioners and policymakers to ensure that its research delivers meaningful, real‑world impact.
