11/02/2025
Recently, Bart, Arjen, Arno and Anke delivered a workshop for second- and third-year Bachelor’s students in Mathematics at the University of Amsterdam. As part of their professional development programme, the session offered students a unique opportunity to explore the practical applications of their studies.
The challenge: designing a sustainable logistics network
During the workshop, students tackled a challenging case: designing a sustainable logistics network. Using a custom-built tool developed by CQM, they had two hours to assemble a network while taking into account constraints such as budget, CO₂ emissions, and economic value. It was a tough assignment, but the best solutions came surprisingly close to our own results—an impressive achievement in such a short time.
A look into our approach
To further inspire the students, we ended the workshop with an explanation of our own approach. We shared how we apply the simulated annealing algorithm—a method that enables us to quickly and effectively solve complex optimization problems. This not only gave students insight into our methodology, but also demonstrated the power of mathematical techniques in addressing societal and business-related challenges.
Learning and connecting
Beyond the technical insights, the workshop offered a great opportunity to connect with young talent. After the session, we continued the conversation over drinks, discussing the workshop experience and their ambitions. These interactions are valuable to us—not only to share knowledge, but also to inspire and encourage potential future colleagues.
Looking ahead to future collaborations
At CQM, we believe in bridging theory and practice. Through workshops like this, we aim to inspire young professionals and show how Mathematics and Data Science contribute to better decisions and smarter solutions. We look forward to more collaborations of this kind and remain committed to investing in the development of talent.
Curious to learn more about our projects or how we approach complex challenges?
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