Key Information
In 2026, the Workshop on Optimisation, Metric Bounds, Approximation and Transversality (WOMBAT) will be held at The University of Melbourne on November 25th-27th.
The goal of WOMBAT is to bring together both Australian and international researchers who work on all areas of optimisation. We welcome contributions on any topic related to mathematical optimisation: theoretical, computational, or applied.
Note: this event is the annual meeting for mathematical optimisation organised by the MoCaO (Mathematics of Computation and Optimisation) special interest group of the Australian Mathematical Society. This event is unrelated to the annual Monash University business analytics meeting of the same name.
Keynote Speakers
- Rachael Tappenden (University of Canterbury)
- Haihao Lu (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Program
The program will be released closer to the date of the conference.
Registration and Abstract Submission
The link for registration and abstract submission is available here. Conference registration is free.
Financial Support
A limited amount of funding is available for students attending the conference. You will be able to apply to access some of this funding through the registration form.
Venue and Travel
The conference will be held at The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus, in the Evan Williams Theatrette, room G03 (ground floor) of the Peter Hall Building (Building 160). [Google Maps]
Getting to the University of Melbourne – Parkville Campus
The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus is located just north of the Melbourne CBD, approximately 10min by tram or 20min walk from Melbourne Central.
- Tram: The University of Melbourne/Swanston St (#1) tram stop is directly outside the Peter Hall Building. Trams to/from the Melbourne CBD are very frequent, including routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 that all go through Swanston St in the CBD. Alternatively, the route 19 tram goes along Elizabeth St to Royal Melbourne Hospital-Parkville Station/Royal Parade (#10) tram stop, which is a 10 min walk from the Peter Hall Building.
- Train: The closest train station is Parkville, on the Cranbourne, Packenham and Sunbury line, and is on the edge of the campus. Alternatively, you can take a train to Melbourne Central, and then change to one of the Swanston St trams to campus.
The Transport Victoria journey planner website can give more specific transport advice.
From Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), you can take the Skybus Melbourne City Express to the coach station at Southern Cross station in the CBD (approx 30 mins). To get to campus, you catch the 86 or 96 tram from Spencer St/Bourke St (#1) to Swanston St/Bourke St (#6), then change to one of the Swanston St trams. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also readily available at the airport.
From Melbourne Avalon Airport (AVV), the Skybus Avalon City Express goes to the coach station at Southern Cross station, and takes approx 90 mins. Taxis and rideshare services are also available.
Public transport in Melbourne uses the myki card system, but you can also tap on and off with a contactless bank card or digital wallet. More information is available on the Transport Victoria website. Please note that contactless payments are currently for full-fare tickets only.
Travel & Health Information
If you're travelling internationally, please check the latest health and visa requirements for entering Australia. We recommend applying early if you require a visa.
If you need a letter confirming your participation or attendance at WOMBAT 2026, please contact the organisers.
Accommodation
There are many hotel options in the Melbourne CBD and next to campus in Carlton. The closest hotels to the conference venue are Crowne Plaza Melbourne Central (5 min walk) and the Travel Inn Hotel Carlton (10 min walk).
Organising Committee
- Lindon Roberts (University of Melbourne)
- Matthew Tam (University of Melbourne)
Please direct any questions or concerns to lindon.roberts@unimelb.edu.au.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Australian Research Council, the University of Melbourne's School of Mathematics and Statistics, and the SigmaOpt special interest group of ANZIAM.