Prof. Dr. Johannes Thürauf
At the Discrete Optimization Lab, we develop algorithms and solution techniques to solve optimization problems in different fields.
- Optimization under Uncertainty
We develop solution methods that take into account uncertainties, e.g. uncertain data, in optimization problems. Our goal is to compute robust, reliable, resilient or adaptive solutions that can be applied across various fields, from resilient energy networks to logistics.
- Bilevel Optimization
We further focus on solving bilevel and multilevel optimization problems that are capable of modeling hierarchical decision processes. These problems are particularly relevant in many applications including machine learning tasks.
- Optimization and Beyond
Moreover, we conduct research in nonlinear, and integer programming, network optimization, graph algorithms, and polyhedral combinatorics.
- Link Theory and Practice
We are dedicated to link theory and practice by developing advanced solution meth- ods, implementing them, and applying these methods to real-world challenges. Our research emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborations and combines expert knowledge from different fields, enabling us to jointly solve complex problems of today.
Prof. Dr. Johannes Thürauf
Professor of Discrete Optimization
News
| July 14, 2025 | Optimization meets Data Systems: Our interdisciplinary work, Instance-Optimized String Fingerprints (jointly with Mihail Stoian, Andreas Zimmerer, Alexander van Renen, and Andreas Kipf), has been accepted for presentation at the Applied AI for Database Systems and Applications (AIDB) workshop, taking place on September 1, 2025 in London, as part of the 51st International Conference on Very Large Data Bases (VLDB 2025). The preprint is available on arXiv. |
| July 7, 2025 | We released a major update to BOBILib: Bilevel Optimization (Benchmark) Instance Library, including separate benchmark sets for interdiction, mixed-integer, and pure-integer bilevel problems. The updated preprint is available on Optimization Online and all instances and solutions are available at bobilib.org. |
| July 1, 2025 | Today, I gave an invited talk at the MIP Europe Workshop 2025 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The slides can be found here: slides. |
| March 14, 2025 | I am very grateful to have received the 2024 Meritorious Service Awards by Operations Research. Let’s continue supporting the scientific community by providing constructive reviews. |
| March 7, 2025 | Our new preprint On Coupling Constraints in Pessimistic Linear Bilevel Optimization (jointly with Dorothee Henke, Henri Lefebvre, and Martin Schmidt) is now available at Optimization Online, arXiv. |
| February 19, 2025 | We have submitted our new preprint Solving Decision-Dependent Robust Problems as Bilevel Optimization Problems (jointly with Henri Lefebvre, Simon Stevens, and Martin Schmidt). The preprint is available at Optimization Online, arXiv |
| February 4, 2025 | Our paper Adjustable Robust Nonlinear Network Design Without Controllable Elements under Load Scenario Uncertainties (jointly with Julia Grübel and Martin Schmidt) has been accepted for publication in Mathematical Programming (Series B). The preprints are still available: Optimization Online, arXiv. |
| January 17, 2025 | Our paper Connections between Robust and Bilevel Optimization (jointly with Marc Goerigk, Jannis Kurtz, and Martin Schmidt) is now published in the Open Journal of Mathematical Optimization. It is open access and can be found here. |
| January 1, 2025 | I am very thankful that I have been elected as the Secretary of the newly established Bilevel Optimization Society, starting this January. |
| December 5, 2024 | Our paper Connections between Robust and Bilevel Optimization (jointly with Marc Goerigk, Jannis Kurtz, and Martin Schmidt) has been accepted for publication in the Open Journal of Mathematical Optimization. You can find the preprints here: Optimization Online and TRR 154 Preprint Server. |
