Prof.Jafar Fathali | Operations Research | Best Researcher Award

University Professor at Shahrood University of Technology, Iran 

Professor Jafar Fathali 🎓 is a renowned academic in Operations Research and Applied Mathematics, currently serving as a Professor at the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Iran 🇮🇷. With decades of contribution to location theory, heuristic optimization, and scheduling problems , he has become a distinguished figure in computational mathematics. A prolific researcher, Prof. Fathali has authored over 50+ peer-reviewed journal articles  in internationally recognized platforms such as EJOR, Soft Computing, and Computers & Industrial Engineering. He is actively involved in scholarly communities including the Iranian Mathematical Society and the Iranian Operations Research Society . Beyond research, he contributes as a referee for leading journals, mentoring students and advancing mathematical modeling in real-world applications. His academic journey is defined by innovation, persistence, and leadership , making him a vital contributor to the global research ecosystem .

🔹Professional Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

📘 Education & Experience

Prof. Jafar Fathali holds a BSc in Applied Mathematics from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , an MSc from Amirkabir University of Technology , and earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Ferdowsi University in 2005 . With a solid foundation in mathematical theories, he began teaching at Shahrood University of Technology, where he advanced to a full professorship . Over the years, he has taught a wide array of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Operations Research, Advanced Linear & Nonlinear Programming, Combinatorial Optimization, and Numerical Analysis . His expertise spans both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, equipping students with problem-solving and analytical skills 🔍. With his academic and mentoring experience, Prof. Fathali has played a key role in shaping Iran’s next generation of mathematicians and operations research .

🚀 Professional Development

Professor Fathali has shown remarkable growth in academia through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and active journal reviewing . He has reviewed articles for top-tier journals such as European Journal of Operational Research, Transportation Research Part E, Soft Computing, and Optimization Methods and Software . He is a member of the Iranian Mathematical Society, Iranian Operations Research Society, and Iranian Statistics Society , reflecting his deep involvement in the academic community. His ability to integrate fuzzy logic, graph theory, and metaheuristic algorithms into practical models has enhanced decision-making strategies across industries . Prof. Fathali has also co-developed numerous hybrid algorithms involving genetic algorithms, ant colony optimization, and variable neighborhood search for solving complex problems . His active mentorship, editorial contributions, and research collaborations are key indicators of a career deeply committed to academic excellence, growth, and innovation .

🔬 Research Focus

Professor Jafar Fathali’s research is firmly rooted in Operations Research, with an emphasis on location theory , combinatorial optimization, and scheduling problems . He specializes in designing algorithms for complex decision-making models such as the p-median, p-center, and core location problems across graphs and trees . His methods employ heuristic techniques, metaheuristics (e.g., genetic algorithms , particle swarm optimization , and fuzzy logic  to model real-world uncertainties in logistics, network design, and resource allocation. Prof. Fathali has also explored inverse and semi-obnoxious location problems, expanding the scope of location models to account for service inefficiencies and backup facilities . His works address both theoretical and applied aspects, blending mathematical rigor with practical implementation . With continuous innovations in modeling and optimization, his contributions have significantly advanced the field of applied mathematics and operations research .

🏆 Awards & Honors

While specific awards and honors for Professor Jafar Fathali are not individually listed, his academic reputation is underscored by the impact and volume of his scholarly work . Having published in high-impact journals like European Journal of Operational Research and Soft Computing, his research has earned wide recognition and citation 🏆. Being a referee for over a dozen international journals and collaborating with well-known scholars such as R.E. Burkard, indicates peer acknowledgment and respect . His sustained publication record, editorial engagements, and frequent invitations to review complex mathematical models highlight his research excellence and international credibility . His contributions have helped define solutions for complex logistics and scheduling challenges, securing his place among Iran’s most influential operations research . With ongoing recognition from both academic institutions and scholarly circles, Prof. Fathali continues to be a role model for aspiring mathematicians and OR specialists globally .

🔹Publication of Top Notes

1.Convexity and sensitivity analysis of the median line location problem

Authors: Mehdi Golpayegani, Jafar Fathali
Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Systems Science: Operations & Logistics
DOI: 10.1080/23302674.2025.2529967

2.Greedy algorithms for the inverse center line location problem

Authors: Mehdi Golpayegani, Jafar Fathali
Year: 2025
Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2025.129064

3.Fuzzy balanced allocation problem with efficiency on facilities

Authors: Azam Azodi, Jafar Fathali, Mojtaba Ghiyasi, Tahereh Sayar
Year: 2023
Journal: Soft Computing
DOI: 10.1007/s00500-022-07695-4

4.The balanced 2-median and 2-maxian problems on a tree

Authors: Jafar Fathali, Mehdi Zaferanieh
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Combinatorial Optimization
DOI: 10.1007/s10878-023-00997-9

5.Finding the absolute and vertex center of a fuzzy tree

Authors: Fatemeh Taleshian, Jafar Fathali, Nemat Allah Taghi-Nezhad
Year: 2022
Journal: Transportation Letters
DOI: 10.1080/19427867.2021.1909797

6.The minimum information approach to the uncapacitated p-median facility location problem

Authors: Mehdi Zaferanieh, Maryam Abareshi, Jafar Fathali
Year: 2022
Journal: Transportation Letters
DOI: 10.1080/19427867.2020.1864595

7.Fuzzy Balanced Allocation Problem with Efficiency on Servers

Authors: Azam Azodi, Jafar Fathali, Mojtaba Ghiyasi, Tahereh Sayar
Year: 2021
Type: Preprint
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-444116/v1

8.Inverse and reverse balanced facility location problems with variable edge lengths on trees

Authors: Shahede Omidi, Jafar Fathali, Morteza Nazari
Year: 2020
Journal: OPSEARCH
DOI: 10.1007/s12597-019-00428-6

9.Finding an optimal core on a tree network with M/G/c/c state-dependent queues

Authors: Mehrdad Moshtagh, Jafar Fathali, James MacGregor Smith, Nezam Mahdavi-Amiri
Year: 2019
Journal: Mathematical Methods of Operations Research
DOI: 10.1007/s00186-018-0651-3

10.The Stochastic Queue Core problem, evacuation networks, and state-dependent queues

Authors: Mehrdad Moshtagh, Jafar Fathali, J. MacGregor Smith
Year: 2018
 Journal: European Journal of Operational Research
 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2018.02.026

🏁Conclusion

Professor Fathali’s research stands out due to its mathematical rigor, practical relevance, and algorithmic innovation. His work significantly advances the optimization and decision sciences field, contributing both theoretical frameworks and practical solutions. These qualities, combined with his sustained academic output, collaborative spirit, and international impact, make him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.