Blackett Lecture 2026

The Blackett Lecture 2026: Why Evidence Matters is one of The OR Society's most prestigious annual events, bringing together experts from academia, government, industry, and the research community to explore how evidence-based decision-making can address today's most complex challenges. Scheduled to take place on 9 September 2026 at the University of Nottingham, this distinguished lecture forms part of the OR68 Annual Conference and provides an exceptional platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and intellectual discussion.

As organizations increasingly rely on data, analytics, and scientific research to shape their strategies, the importance of operational research has never been greater. The Blackett Lecture highlights the critical role of evidence in guiding policy, improving public services, supporting business innovation, and driving sustainable development. Attendees will gain valuable insights from an internationally recognized keynote speaker while engaging with professionals who are committed to advancing analytical thinking across multiple sectors.

Why Evidence-Based Decision Making Matters

Every day, organizations make decisions that affect millions of people. Whether improving healthcare systems, designing transportation networks, managing supply chains, or creating government policies, reliable evidence is essential for making informed choices.

Evidence-based decision-making combines research, data analysis, mathematical modelling, forecasting, and operational research techniques to identify the most effective solutions. Rather than relying on assumptions, organizations can evaluate alternatives using measurable data and proven methodologies.

The Blackett Lecture demonstrates how these approaches can improve efficiency, reduce risks, optimize resources, and deliver better outcomes for businesses and society.

The OR Society

The OR Society is the United Kingdom's leading professional organization dedicated to Operational Research and analytics. For decades, the society has promoted excellence in decision science through conferences, publications, professional development, research collaboration, and educational initiatives.

Its annual events bring together experts from universities, public sector organizations, multinational corporations, healthcare providers, technology companies, and government departments. The society encourages collaboration between researchers and practitioners, ensuring that theoretical innovations translate into real-world impact.

The Blackett Lecture is among its most respected events and continues to inspire professionals working across a wide range of disciplines.

Key Themes of the Lecture

The 2026 lecture will explore several important topics that are shaping the future of evidence-based decision making.

Evidence-Based Public Policy

Government agencies increasingly depend on analytical models and scientific evidence to develop policies that improve public services while making efficient use of resources.

Operational Research Applications

Operational Research techniques help organizations solve complex planning, scheduling, optimization, and resource allocation problems across multiple industries.

Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

The combination of analytics and AI enables organizations to process large volumes of information and generate actionable insights for better decision-making.

Healthcare Innovation

Healthcare providers use operational research to optimize hospital operations, patient care pathways, emergency response systems, and workforce planning.

Sustainable Development

Evidence-based strategies support environmental sustainability by improving energy efficiency, transportation planning, waste management, and climate resilience.

What Attendees Will Learn

Participants will gain practical knowledge and professional insights that can be applied within their own organizations.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Understanding evidence-based policy development
• Applying operational research methods to real-world problems
• Leveraging analytics for strategic decision making
• Improving organizational performance through data
• Exploring emerging research trends
• Learning from successful case studies
• Building interdisciplinary collaborations
• Enhancing leadership through analytical thinking
• Understanding ethical use of data
• Preparing for future challenges in decision science

Who Should Attend

The Blackett Lecture welcomes professionals from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in evidence-based innovation.

Ideal attendees include:

• Operational Researchers
• Data Scientists
• Academics
• Government Officials
• Business Analysts
• Policy Makers
• Healthcare Professionals
• Engineers
• Consultants
• University Students
• Researchers
• Technology Leaders

Whether participants are beginning their careers or are experienced professionals, the lecture provides valuable opportunities for learning and networking.

Networking Opportunities

Professional networking is one of the major benefits of attending the Blackett Lecture.

Delegates will have opportunities to:

• Meet leading researchers
• Connect with government representatives
• Exchange ideas with industry professionals
• Explore collaborative research opportunities
• Build long-term professional relationships
• Discuss future projects and innovations
• Learn from experienced practitioners

These interactions often lead to valuable partnerships, research collaborations, and career opportunities.

Benefits for Researchers

Researchers attending the lecture will discover new perspectives on applying analytical methods to societal challenges.

Benefits include:

• Exposure to current research
• Access to expert opinions
• Opportunities for collaboration
• Inspiration for future studies
• Feedback from experienced professionals
• Knowledge of emerging methodologies
• Greater visibility within the operational research community

Benefits for Industry Professionals

Organizations increasingly require professionals capable of transforming data into strategic decisions.

Industry participants will learn how evidence-based approaches can help:

• Improve operational efficiency
• Optimize supply chains
• Enhance customer experiences
• Reduce operational costs
• Support digital transformation
• Improve project management
• Strengthen organizational resilience

The practical examples presented during the lecture will demonstrate how operational research creates measurable business value.

Why the University of Nottingham?

The University of Nottingham is recognized internationally for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and outstanding conference facilities.

Its modern campus provides an ideal environment for professional events by offering:

• Excellent lecture theatres
• Advanced presentation technology
• Comfortable networking spaces
• Easy transportation links
• High-quality visitor facilities
• Vibrant academic atmosphere

The university's commitment to innovation makes it a fitting venue for one of the UK's leading operational research events.

Career Development Opportunities

The Blackett Lecture also supports professional development by encouraging continuous learning and engagement with the wider operational research community.

Attendees can:

• Expand professional knowledge
• Strengthen analytical skills
• Discover career opportunities
• Meet potential employers
• Explore postgraduate research
• Learn from internationally recognized experts
• Stay informed about emerging industry trends

These experiences help professionals remain competitive in rapidly evolving analytical and technology-driven industries.

Why You Should Attend

The Blackett Lecture 2026 offers far more than a keynote presentation. It provides a unique opportunity to learn from distinguished experts, engage with professionals from diverse sectors, and discover innovative approaches to solving complex problems through evidence-based decision making.

Whether your interests lie in government policy, healthcare, engineering, finance, education, manufacturing, or technology, the insights shared during this event will help strengthen your understanding of operational research and its growing impact across modern organizations.

Attendees will leave inspired by practical examples, new ideas, valuable professional connections, and a deeper appreciation of how evidence can improve decisions that shape businesses, communities, and society.

Wrapping Up

The Blackett Lecture 2026: Why Evidence Matters stands as one of The OR Society's flagship educational events, showcasing the importance of operational research, analytics, and scientific evidence in addressing today's global challenges. Through expert presentations, meaningful discussions, and outstanding networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable knowledge that can be applied across research, business, government, healthcare, and education.

Whether you are an experienced professional, an academic researcher, or a student preparing for a career in analytics, this event offers an exceptional opportunity to expand your expertise and become part of a thriving community dedicated to evidence-based innovation and informed decision-making.