Seth Bonder Scholarship

Seth Bonder Scholarship for Applied Operations Research in Military and Security Applications




The purpose of this scholarship for applied operations research in military and security applications is to promote the development and application of process modeling and operations research analysis to military and security issues. The scholarship provides funding to support the development of highly qualified individuals and promote the interchange of military and security operations research knowledge in conjunction with INFORMS.


The Bonder Scholarship consists of a grant of $4,000 (USD) that is intended to provide financial support for a promising young doctoral researcher. In addition, the award winner will be eligible for up to $1,000 (USD) of travel funding to support their participation in MAS presentation sessions and activities at the INFORMS Annual Meeting. INFORMS will waive registration fees for awardees. The tenure of the award is one year.


Application Information

Students pursuing doctoral studies in military and/or national security related operations research or a related discipline (e.g., data science, industrial engineering) are eligible, particularly those with two to three years remaining in their programs. Applicants must be paid-up members of INFORMS. Applications from US and international students are welcome.

Candidates should submit the following materials electronically:

  1. A 1-2 page personal statement describing why they are interested in applying operations research to defense-related applications, including military and national security issues
  2. A 2-3 page summary of the proposed program of research
  3. Two letters of support, preferably one written by the dissertation advisor
  4. A curriculum vita

Not later than July 1, 2024, candidates must submit applications with letters of support in portable document format to the INFORMS online portal for the Bonder Scholarship at: https://informs-awards.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/login/214.

Selection Criteria:

  1. The degree to which the candidate has demonstrated academic preparation via success in prior doctoral level coursework and studies.
  2. The degree to which the candidate has demonstrated strong research experience via prior publications, presentations, etc.
  3. The degree to which the candidate has demonstrated professional excellence via the receipt of awards, honors, etc.
  4. The degree to which the candidate's proposed program of research makes a significant (innovative and novel) contribution to OR and/or related technical fields.
  5. The degree to which the candidate's proposed program of research makes a significant contribution (has broader impact) to the military and/or national security domain.
  6. The degree to which the candidate appears motivated and passionate about the proposed program of research and future career plans and aspirations.

All applicants will be notified by the end of August 2023 of competition results.  The award will be presented at the INFORMS Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening during the INFORMS Annual Meeting.  Also, the winner will be invited to present a technical talk about their developing research thread during a MAS technical session immediately preceding the MAS Business Meeting on Monday evening, and they will be recognized by MAS during the Business Meeting.

2024 Committee Chair: David J. Myers