EU/ME Meeting x GT ROQ

- 22th EU/ME meeting x Quantum School
- Emerging optimization methods: from metaheuristics to quantum approaches
- Optimization Event: Revolutionizing Problem-Solving with Quantum and Metaheuristic Techniques
- Location : Fraunhofer-Platz 1, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany 10th - 12th September 2025
Introduction | Inscription | Program | Sponsors | Contact | Location | List of participants

- Introduction
- Join us for an exciting exploration into the world of optimization! This event promises to unveil groundbreaking strategies that leverage quantum and metaheuristic technologies to tackle complex challenges innovatively. The 22nd edition of the EU/Meeting will be held in Germany. It will focus on recent advances in metaheuristics, including those influenced by quantum computing. This international joint event is coordinated under the supervision of EUME/GT2L for the conference and EUME/GT ROQ for the school. The organizers will issue certificates of participation for the doctoral schools. As the number of spots is limited, we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
  
  We look forward to seeing you in Kaiserslautern.
  
  Previous event in Troyes
- Description of the event :
- The coordination of the event is under the supervision of both EUME/GT2L for the conference and EUME/EWG Quantum OR/GT ROQ f for the school which organized together an international joint event composed of three items:
  • Quantum conference sessions focusing on quantum application to optimization problem; All interested researchers, especially PhD students, are invited to submit a research paper on their thesis work, or for first-year students, a paper on their thesis topic.
  
  • EUME conference sessions focusing on the last advances on metaheuristic;
  For more than 2 decades, the annual European Congress on Metaheuristics (EU/Meeting) has been held in a European city. The objective is to bring together specialists in the field of optimization, and allow them to present their latest advances in terms of metaheuristic type resolution methods as well as to give tutorials on specific subjects.
  
  • a school (including practices) on quantum optimization;
  The school has a specific focus on quantum "metaheuristics" including adiabatic optimization.
  The school is dedicated to researchers and PhD students who are interested in discovering the quantum theory with application to very concrete problems including for example graph coloring, SAT and/or TSP.
  
  Key-points:
  • The school enclosed in introduction to configure programming environments, and make in short time the first quantum program. IBM will be in charge of the introduction the IBM Qiskit solution, Eviden is in charge of the introducion on the Qaptiva Solution and Wesley Coelho in charge of the introduction of the PASQAL solution. • Eviden session dedicated to introducing Quantum Programming and utilizing Qaptiva myQLM, a free Python package.; • The examples are linked to classical well-know operational problems.
  
  The organizers of this event will issue a certificate of participation for the doctoral schools
  
  The event is organized by: • Marc Sevaux (Executive committee member of EWG Quantum OR) • Caroline Prodhon (Executive committee member of EWG Quantum OR) • Eric Bourreau(Executive committee member of EWG Quantum OR) • Philippe Lacomme (Executive committee member of EWG Quantum OR) • Gerard Fleury (Executive committee member of Quantum OR) • Anita Schoebel (Executive committee member of EWG Quantum OR) • Alexey Bochkarev (RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau) • Pascal Halffmann (Fraunhofer ITWM)
  
  Local organization : • Alexey Bochkarev (RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau) • Pascal Halffmann (Fraunhofer ITWM) • Anita Schoebel (Executive committee member of EWG Quantum OR)
- Financial supports - many thanks
- - EURO (The Association of European Operational Research Societies)
  - Labsticc
  - Quantum Computing Solutions to empower your business | Eviden
  - GDR RO (Groupement de Recherche en Recherche Operationnelle)
  - LIMOS (Laboratoire d'Informatique de Clermont-Ferrand)
  - EU/ME (EURO Working Group on Metaheuristics)
  - EWG Quantum OR (https://quantum-or.euro-online.org/about/)
  - UTT (Université de Technologie de Troyes)
  - LIRMM (Laboratoire d'Informatique de Montpellier)
  - LIST3N (Computer Science and Digital Society - UTT)
- Local organization
- - •Alexey Bochkarev, Pascal Halffmann and Anita Schoebel
    Kaiserslautern
  - They in charge of the local organization and welcomes us to Kaiserslautern for this school where she takes care of the logistics of the event.
    
    Thank you for the management of the rooms, the management of the registrations, ... and the resolution of the thousand of daily problems
- Special guests - Short bio
- - • Johanna Sepulveda
    Airbus
  - Johanna has 15 years of experience in international industry and research projects on embedded security design including research on and implementation of innovative and low cost protection techniques (crypto/no crypto based) against side-channel attacks, fault attacks and denial-of-service attacks. She is an expert on quantum-secure communication design and implementation and quantum technologies. This includes the development of hardware and software for embedded systems in general, including verification, design optimization and the inclusion of quality-of-service in network-based systems.
  - • Prof. Dr. Anita Schöbel
    past president of the EURO (Association of European Operational Research Societies)
  - Anita Schoebel is professor for Applied Mathematics at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern and director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM with more than 450 employees. At Fraunhofer Society, she is responsible for the strategic research area Next Generation Computing and vice spokesperson for the quantum computing competence network. In 2019 and 2020 she has been president of the German Operations Research Society (GOR). Currently she is president-elect of EURO (Association of European Operational Research Societies) and will be president of EURO in 2023 and 2024.
    A short bio in English : here
  - • Dean Smith
    Eviden
  - Dean works as a technical expert in quantum computing at Eviden Science & Computing AG, active in the field since 2019. Dean Smith's interests lie in science, engineering, and deep tech. Dean's R&D activities include quantum simulations, QML, discrete optimization, and codesign. As a biophysicist, Dean has interdisciplinary knowledge ranging from mathematics and computer science to biology. Dean also tutors university students and volunteers as a Python teacher for refugees, fostering an open-minded and communicative work environment .
  - • Pierre Jaeger
    UTT
  - Pierre is an IBM Technical Director, in charge of establishing strong and sustainable partnerships related to quantum technologies. He has over 18 years of extensive experience in Architecture and Technology Consulting with a focus on Systems, Digital transformation, Cognitive Computing, Big Data, and Analytics.
  - Description :
  - He will introduce us the IBM solution including a presentation of Qiskit solution.
  - • Frank Phillipson
    Maastricht University
  - Frank is senior scientist and professor at Maastricht University in Computational Operations Research, specialized in optimization in telecommunication, energy and logistics networks. Most of his current work is focused on finding new computational techniques for optimization and other hardware accelerators.
  - Description :
  - Quantum computing offers transformative potential for optimization problems, which are central to industries like logistics, finance, and manufacturing. Traditional algorithms struggle with large-scale, complex problems, while quantum algorithms promise to solve them exponentially faster. However, challenges remain in harnessing quantum power, including hardware limitations and the need for specialized expertise. This presentation will explore the key opportunities and hurdles in applying quantum computing to optimization, examining its potential to revolutionize decision-making processes and reshape global industries.
  - • Wesley COELHO
    PASQAL
  - Wesley Coelho holds a Master’s degree in Models and Algorithms for Decision Support and a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science with an emphasis on Operations Research (Applied Mathematics). He currently works as a Quantum Applications Engineer at PASQAL, where he develops innovative algorithms to extend the field of applications of PASQAL’s Quantum Computers. His interests are mainly on Quantum Optimization and related applications.
  - Description :
  - During the school, he will talk about Analog Quantum Computing while presenting PASQAL technology. He will also propose workshops where participants will be able to use PASQAL solutions to solve optimization problems.
  - Participation and Registration
  - Registration due date "2025 June 1st"
    
    Participation is subjected to the payment of a participation fees of € 200
    
    The (mandatory) registration fee covers expenses for lunches, coffee breaks, and one social event.
    
    How to participate?
    
    Participation is open for everyone interested in quantum computing and OR. Membership in the EURO working group is not mandatory. Submission of a paper is encouraged, but also not required.
    
    • You can be at the school for classes and practical works • Submission of one paper is encouraged but it is not required • You can be at the conference just to listen the presentations
    
    In all cases, make your registration early
    
    How to registrer?
    
    • STEP 1
    Complete the online form
    
    Warning : the number of places being limited, we advise you to register as soon as possible
    • STEP 2. Please download the registration form and return the form to emergingoptimization@gmail.com :
    Version word Version pdf • STEP 3.Payment of the registration fees must be achieved by bank transfer
    
    Remark : After your registration you will received by email all the information to achieved the payment.
    
    Certificates of attendance will be issued and may be used by PhD studends to request validation of courses in doctoral schools.
    
    Pour les membres des universités Françaises : pas de paiement par bon de commande
  - Submissions
  - As extend abstract for the session on quantum advances in pdf format of 6 pages must be sumitted to publication by email pascal.halffmann@itwm.fraunhofer.de with a subject entitled "Paper submission".
    
    As extend abstract for the PhD session in pdf format of 4 pages must be sumitted to publication by email dimitrios.papadimitriou@ulb.be with a subject entitled "Paper submission".
    
    Please use the following word template or the latex package provided by Alexey latex template
    Due date for submission : June 15th, 2025 .
    
    If you are interested to organize a session contact us by email emergingoptimization@gmail.com with a subject entitled "session submission"
  - Preliminary Programm
  - • Wenesday 10 September : Opening event and sessions (QLM, Qiskit)
    
    8h30-9h00 :
    
    Registration and coffee break at XXXX
    
    9h00-9h15 :
    
    Introductory speech of Anita Schoebel (head of Fraunhofer ITWM) - XXXX
    
    9h15-9h30 :
    
    Introductory speech by Marc Sevaux on behalf of the organizers - XXXX
    
    9h45-10h45 :
    
    Plenary session of Johanna Sepulveda - XXXX
    
    :
    
    A short introduction to the challenge in developing quantum hardware, maintaining cybersecurity against quantum threats, and ensuring equitable access to this transformative technology. Countries must navigate the race for quantum dominance while addressing ethical, legal, and geopolitical implications.
    
    10h45-11h00 :
    
    Coffee break - X
    
    11h00-12h30 :
    
    Introduction to Quantum Gate with (Speaker from IBM) - XXXX
    
    :
    
    Short introduction with example and the basis of theory
    
    - Lunch at the University restaurant (RestoU) -
    
    14h00-16h00 :
    
    Practical work on Qiskit IBM with Eric Bourreau and another speaker - Room xxxx
    
    :
    
    First implementation and first quantum circuit
    
    16h00-16h15 :
    
    Coffee break - XXXX
    
    16h15-18h15 :
    
    Practical work on Qaptiva Quantum computing programming and emulation environment with Dean Smith from Eviden - Room xxxx
    
    :
    
    First implementation and first quantum circuit
    
    • Thursday 11 September : sessions
    
    8h30-9h30 :
    
    Plenary session of Frank Phillipson - XXXX
    
    :
    
    As computational needs expand, new computing paradigms such as GPUs, FPGAs, high-performance computing clusters, digital annealers, neuromorphic computing systems, and quantum computers are emerging to complement traditional CPU-based computing models. Each paradigm offers unique capabilities for combinatorial optimization, a field concerned with finding the best solution from a finite set of possibilities. This talk addresses the challenge of fairly benchmarking the performance of combinatorial optimization solvers across these diverse paradigms. I propose a holistic approach to benchmarking that includes recommendations for fair comparisons and the introduction of new metrics. Findings highlight the need for clear and equitable comparison criteria, particularly when contrasting digital and analogue platforms or different algorithm classes.
    
    9h30-9h45 :
    
    Coffee break Hall M
    
    9h45-11h00 :
    
    Quantum session with chairman Papadimitriou Dimitrios - Room B202
    
    :
    
    The session is dedicated to the research on the interface of quantum computing and OR by PhD students.
    
    11h00-13h00 :
    
    Practical Work with Pasqal solution with Wesley Coelho - XXXX
    
    :
    
    Quantum and hybrid solvers for solving optimisation problems with neutral-atom quantum computers..
    
    - Lunch at the University restaurant (RestoU) -
    
    13h45-14h00 :
    
    Eviden : Qaptiva platform solution for quantum challenges - Ingo Seipp
    
    :
    
    Eviden's strategy regarding quantum challenges
    
    14h00-14h15 :
    
    Pierre Jaeguer (IBM) : Qiskit solution for quantum - XXXX
    
    :
    
    IBM's strategy regarding quantum challenges
    
    14h15-16h45:
    
    Advanced practical work : Grover Implementation with Eric Bourreau and Philippe Lacomme - XXXX
    
    :
    
    The objective is to create a Grover implementation to find one value into an array
    
    16h45-17h00 :
    
    Coffee break Hall M
    
    17h00-18h30:
    
    A special session of papers on quantum advances with chairman Pascal Halffmann - XXXX
    
    • Friday 12th September
    
    8h30-11h30 :
    
    Advanced Practical work : Graph Coloring Resolution with Adiabatic Optimization with Eric Bourreau and Philippe Lacomme - XXXX
    
    11h30-13h00 :
    
    Visit to the quantum computer at the university. The visit organized by Alexey Bochkarev will provide a rare opportunity to see a real quantum machine. -
    
    - Lunch at the University restaurant -
    
    14h30-17h00 :
    
    Advanced Practical work : Graph Coloring Resolution with Adiabatic Optimization with Eric Bourreau and Philippe Lacomme - XXXX
  - Contacts
  - • For questions or issues : (emergingoptimization@gmail.com)) • For questions or issues concerning the registration : (emergingoptimization@gmail.com))
  - Location :
  - The event takes place at the Fraunhofer ITWM .
  - Inscriptions - Open - :
  - Caroline Prodhon
    
    UTT
    
    Validated
    
    Philippe Lacomme
    
    LIMOS
    
    Validated
    
    Anita Schobel
    
    IEMN - JUNIA
    
    validated
    
    Alexey Bochkarev
    
    RPTU Kaiserslautern
    
    Validated
    
    Pascal Halffmann
    
    Fraunhofer-Institut
    
    Validated
    
    Marc Sevaux
    
    Labsticc
    
    Validated
    
    Eric Bourreau
    
    LIRMM
    
    Validated
  EURO Quantum Working Group 2025
  
  Nb. de visiteurs : 2