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  • Oct
    13

    IEMS Seminar | Benjamin Grimmer | Optimization in the Space of Algorithms

    Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

    11:00 AM A230, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    Abstract: Often we want to design the best-possible algorithm for solving a given type of problem. Within modern optimization, this means finding a strategy for where to query gradients of an objective function that ultimately leads to the best final solution given a limited computational budget. Much recent progress in optimization theory has come from viewing this algorithm design task as, itself, a meta-optimization problem in the space of algorithms. Surprisingly, global optimization in this infinite-dimensional algorithm space can often be made tractable. This talk will discuss two such advances in the state-of-the-art for optimization theory: (1) Complete characterizations of sets of minimax optimal first-order methods and (2) Dynamically optimal methods that adapt as-well-as-possible at runtime in response to observed first-order information. Along the way, classical (beautiful) ideas from convex duality, minimax theorems, and game theory will be key tools.

    Bio: Ben Grimmer is an assistant professor of applied mathematics and statistics at Johns Hopkins University, currently on sabbatical at MIT. Ben’s work primarily focuses on novel methods for the design and analysis of first-order methods and is supported by AFOSR and as a Sloan Fellow. This work has received best paper prizes, including the most recent INFORMS Optimization Society's Young Researcher Prize. Some of his recent computer-assisted works have received substantial interest, being featured in popular mathematics venues like Quanta.

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    TIME Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    LOCATION A230, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Nathan Keiller    nathan.keiller@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

  • Oct
    20

    IEMS Seminar | Aldo Scutari

    Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

    11:00 AM B211, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    LOCATION B211, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Nathan Keiller    nathan.keiller@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

  • Oct
    22

    MLDS Online Information Session

    Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS)

    10:00 AM

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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    CONTACT Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science Program    mlds@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS)

  • Nov
    10

    IEMS Seminar | Andi Wang

    Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

    11:00 AM A230, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    LOCATION A230, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Nathan Keiller    nathan.keiller@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

  • Nov
    17

    IEMS Seminar | Salar Fattahi

    Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

    11:00 AM A230, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    LOCATION A230, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Nathan Keiller    nathan.keiller@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

  • Nov
    24

    IEMS Seminar | James Kong

    Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

    11:00 AM A230, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    LOCATION A230, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Nathan Keiller    nathan.keiller@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

  • Dec
    1

    IEMS Seminar | Rene Caldentey

    Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

    11:00 AM A230, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    LOCATION A230, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Nathan Keiller    nathan.keiller@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

  • Dec
    12

    Northwestern Engineering PhD Hooding and Master's Recognition Ceremony

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    4:00 PM Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    LOCATION Pick-Staiger Concert Hall    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Apr
    13

    IEMS Wassertrom Lecture | Dr. David Simchi-Levi

    Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)

    11:00 AM

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Tuesday, April 13, 2027 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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    CONTACT Nathan Keiller    nathan.keiller@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS)