The NSF AI Research Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT) recently attended the 39th Annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Most notably, members attended and gave talks at the AAAI-25 Bridge Program.

Keynote Highlights: Fusing AI and OR for Engineering

The AAAI-25 Bridge Program, held on Feb. 25–26, 2025, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. It featured a series of specialized sessions designed to connect diverse areas within artificial intelligence (AI). Among these sessions was a keynote “Fusing AI and OR for Engineering: Theoretical Results and Industrial Impact”, presented by Pascal Van Hentenryck.

Exploring New Research: Confidence-Aware Deep Learning

Thomas Bruys presented his study, “Confidence-Aware Deep Learning for Load Plan Adjustments in the Parcel Service Industry”, which explores how deep learning can enhance decision making in logistics and transportation companies.

It was Bruys’ first time attending a research conference. He said, “It’s been an amazing experience so far! I’ve had the chance to learn about cutting-edge research and hear from experienced researchers about where the field is headed… One thing I especially love is how the conference has multiple rooms with talks that are super relevant to my research, it makes it easy to dive deeper into the topics that interest me the most.”

Expert Insights on AI and OR/MS Collaboration

The program included spotlight talks with experts like Van Hentenryck, application talks, poster sessions, and discussion tracks. AI4OPT members had the opportunity to gain insight on developing AI solutions that are not only efficient and resilient but also balanced and transparent.

Amira Hijazi attended the conference and provided this summary, “The AI + ORMS bridge program brought together experts and professionals from the fields of AI, OR, and MS to discuss how to bridge the gap between these fields and facilitate collaboration opportunities especially for people who work in the same application areas.”

Bridging AI and OR/MS for Real-World Impact

This event brought together experts from around the world, united with the goal of improving AI and OR/MS for trustworthy decision-making in key socio-technical areas such as supply chains, healthcare, crisis management, homeland security, robotics, wildlife conservation, medicine, transportation, and finance.

Overall, the AAAI-25 Bridge Program served as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering the development of AI applications that are both innovative and aligned with societal needs.

For additional reading, AAAI recently released a report on the future of AI.