Conference Topic Themes

Authors are invited to submit contributions aligned with one of the following seven conference themes. The themes are intentionally broad, while emphasizing pressing global and industrial challenges where Process Systems Engineering (PSE) can have transformative impact.

1. Foundations and Advances in Process Operations and Control
   • This theme covers theoretical and methodological advances in (a) modeling and optimization for complex planning, scheduling, and supply chain problems, and (b) modeling, optimization, estimation, and control of dynamic processes. Topics include process monitoring, real-time optimization, multiscale decision-making (e.g., scheduling and control integration), robustness, uncertainty handling, and scalable algorithms. Contributions may address continuous, batch, and hybrid systems, with an emphasis on improving operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and performance in complex industrial environments.
2. Frontiers of Computing and Algorithms in PSE
   • Advances in computing platforms and algorithms are reshaping what is possible in PSE. This theme focuses on novel methods, decomposition and parallelization strategies, surrogate and reduced-order models, and emerging computational paradigms such as high-performance computing, edge/cloud computing, GPU computing, quantum computing, specialized hardware, and advanced software frameworks. Contributions may explore how new algorithms and platforms enable faster, larger-scale, or more reliable solutions to long-standing PSE problems.
3. Advances and Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in PSE
   • This theme highlights the integration of AI/ML with traditional PSE methodologies for modeling, simulation, optimization, control, and decision support. Topics include, but are not limited to, hybrid physics–data-driven models, Scientific ML (SciML), learning-enabled optimization and control, industrial deployment of AI, interpretability, trustworthiness, robustness, and lifecycle management of ML models. Applications may span production systems, supply chains, transportation, logistics, and asset management, with a focus on delivering measurable value in real-world settings.
4. PSE Applications in Energy, Circularity, Sustainability, and Resilience
   • This theme addresses the role of PSE in improving energy efficiency, electrification, and the integration of multiple energy carriers, as well as enabling circular material flows and resilient supply chains. Contributions may include process and supply-chain design for recycling, reuse, and recovery of valuable and critical materials, optimization under uncertainty, and strategies to improve system flexibility and robustness in the face of disruptions. Emphasis is placed on economically viable and scalable solutions.
5. Revitalizing Manufacturing through Autonomy
   • Autonomous and semi-autonomous manufacturing systems are redefining industrial operations. This theme focuses on closed-loop, self-optimizing production systems that integrate sensing, decision-making, and actuation across multiple layers using PSE methodologies. Topics include autonomous scheduling and control, human–machine collaboration, digital twins, and deployment challenges in legacy systems. Contributions should highlight how autonomy can improve productivity, quality, responsiveness, and operational resilience.
6. Challenges and Opportunities in PSE Education
   • This theme explores how PSE education must evolve to meet the needs of modern industry and society. Topics include curriculum development, experiential and project-based learning, integration of computing, AI, and data science into PSE programs, and industry–academia collaboration. Contributions may also address workforce development, lifelong learning, and strategies for preparing students to operate at the intersection of engineering, computation, and decision-making.
7. Interdisciplinary Approaches and Emerging Topics
   • Many of today’s most impactful PSE problems lie at disciplinary boundaries. This theme welcomes contributions that integrate PSE with fields such as materials science, operations research, economics, computer science, robotics, and the natural sciences. Emerging applications, unconventional problem formulations, and novel perspectives that extend the scope of PSE are encouraged, including topics not explicitly covered by the other themes.