Executive Dean receives top honour in Operational Research
Professor Julia Bennell, the Business School's Executive Dean, has been awarded the distinguished Companion of Operational Research (OR).
The accolade is the highest honour bestowed by the The Operational Research Society and recognises Professor Bennell’s sustained and exceptional contributions to the field of OR.
The Companion of OR is awarded to individuals who have offered long-term support, encouragement, or leadership in advancing OR, whether through public influence, academic contribution, or by championing the discipline from influential positions.
Professor Bennell’s career combines groundbreaking academic research, outstanding service to the OR community, and impactful leadership. With more than 70 peer-reviewed publications in areas such as optimisation, vehicle routing, scheduling, network design, heuristics, and cutting-and-packing, she has established herself as an internationally recognised expert.
Beyond research, Professor Bennell has contributed significantly through editorial and organisational roles. In addition to advancing academic OR, she has extended her influence into policy and practice, engaging in consultancy and collaborative research with Government bodies, SMEs, and industry partners. She also serves as an executive coach and mentor, and holds the role of Honorary Consul to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Leeds.
This award not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects the vitality and global reach of OR at the University of Leeds.
Professor Bennell commented:
I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from The OR Society. Operational Research has long been central to my academic life, and I have been privileged to work with an incredibly dedicated community of researchers and practitioners. This award reflects not only my own journey but the strength and importance of OR in helping organisations and societies make better decisions. I am proud to contribute to a discipline with such meaningful impact.
