OPTIMA Mathematical Optimization Society Newsletter 89

August 1, 2012. While preparing this column and in my periodic and frantic search for material of interest, I stumbled on this most appropriate motto: Optimum is maximum at a minimum – due to the nu-jazz artist Mr Gaus (no, this is not made up). In view of the coming ISMP festivities, this sounded a marvelous quote, at least if properly interpreted. Indeed, it would be completely wrong to suggest that “Optimum is maximum at a minimum in Berlin”, with the implication that the next ISMP is a minimum! In fact it is truly the opposite: a global maximum in the history of major MOS meetings. The latest numbers sent to me by Martin Skutella, the very active chair of the organization committee, show that the next ISMP will feature more than 1700 talks and about 600 invited and contributed sessions in 24 program clusters! The downside of this resounding success is that 40 parallel tracks will be necessary . . . You will also be approximately 2000 participants from more than 60 countries from all over the world. ISMP 2012 will thus be the biggest ISMP so far, and I am of course looking forward to meeting so many of you there very soon. The end of the “inter-ISMP” period is also bringing some changes in the organization of the Society, with the renewal of the Council and the election of a new chair-elect and treasurer. It is my very great pleasure to announce that the new chair elect is Bill Cook, who will serve as MOS Vice-Chair up to August 31st, 2013, after that he will be taking over from me as MOS Chair for three years. Juan Meza, our present efficient treasurer, has been reconducted for a second term. On the Council side, new Council members will start their term after the ISMP 2012. These are Miguel Anjos, Sam Burer, Volker Kaibel and Alejandro Joffre. I wish to congratulate them all for their election and I am truly looking forward to work with them in the coming year.