GERAD is an inter-university research centre created in 1979 and bringing together specialists in data and decision sciences, computer scientists, applied mathematicians and mathematical engineers, mainly from HEC Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, McGill University and the Université du Québec à Montréal. The team comprises more than 70 researchers from Quebec university departments, more than 30 associate researchers from various institutions or industry, nearly 20 research professionals and nearly 500 students at the Master's, Doctorate and Postdoctorate levels.

Our Vision

GERAD aims to contribute to future developments in digital intelligence, and to maintain a world leadership role in prescriptive analysis. To make this happen, GERAD’s objectives are: to integrate artificial intelligence methods into mathematical decision sciences in order to improve modelling and accelerate solution algorithms; and, conversely, to improve machine learning techniques using mathematical optimization methods. GERAD also aims to increase its influence on the national and international scenes in line with its scientific achievements, in order to promote the use of mathematical decision support methods among all its potential users, thereby helping organizations address major environmental and social challenges.

Our Mission

GERAD’s mission is:

• To develop the mathematics of decision-making in all its forms in complex systems – whether technological, commercial or economic – and, upstream of decision-making, to develop modelling based on statistics, simulation and data valuation;
• To train highly qualified personnel in the above fields, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion;
• To bring together university researchers and industry with a view to carrying out large-scale research and development projects, and to contribute to the international influence of Quebec research;
• To have a significant impact on society through scientific innovation, the transfer of know-how in important sectors of the economy, and the development of decision-making tools.