About the Applied Probability Society

About the Applied Probability Society

The Applied Probability Society is a subdivision of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). The Society is concerned with the application of probability theory to systems that involve random phenomena, for example, manufacturing, communication network, computer network, service, and financial systems. The Society promotes the development and use of methods for the improvement of evaluation, control, and design of these systems. Such methods include (stochastic) dynamic programming, queueing theory, Markov decision process, discrete event dynamic systems, point processes, large deviations, reliability, and so on. Our members include practitioners, educators, and researchers with backgrounds in business, engineering, statistics, mathematics, economics, computer science, and other applied sciences.

The Applied Probability Society also publishes Stochastic Systems. This open-access journal seeks to publish high-quality papers that substantively contribute to the modeling, analysis, and control of stochastic systems. The contribution may lie in the formulation of new mathematical models, in the development of new mathematical methods, or in the innovative application of existing methods. A partial list of applications domains that are germane to this journal include: service operations; logistics, transportation, and communications networks (including the Internet); computer systems; finance and risk management; manufacturing operations and supply chains; and revenue management.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments in the Applied Probability Society community, INFORMS members should make sure to subscribe for real-time or digest correspondence through INFORMS Connect. For INFORMS members outside of the Society or for community members outside of INFORMS who would like to receive updates as well, register here to receive select Applied Probability Society communication directly.

History of APS

The Applied Probability Society of INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) was established in August 1998 after the application for Society status of the INFORMS Section on Applied Probability was granted by INFORMS Council.

Previously, the Section on Applied Probability was the result of the merger of the Technical Section on Applied Probability of ORSA (Operations Research Society of America) and the College of Applied Probability of TIMS (The Institute of Management Science) in 1995.

The establishment of an applied probability group was first initiated in 1971. A formal proposal was submitted to ORSA in April 1973, and to TIMS in October 1974. The College under TIMS was established in May 1975. A Special Interest Group on Applied Probability under ORSA was established in November 1976, and was upgraded into a Technical Section in Spring 1981.

Biennial conferences on Applied Probability are held since 1981 (see APS Conferences Table), and Applied Probability prizes are awarded every year since 1994 (see Awards menu).