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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center">
<span style="mso-ligatures:none">Special Issue of <i>INFORMS Journal on Computing</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center">
<b><span style="mso-ligatures:none">Quantum Computing and Operations Research</span></b><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> <b><u>Guest Editors</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> </span></b><b><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ligatures:none">Carleton Coffrin</span></b><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ligatures:none">Los Alamos National Laboratory<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:carleton@coffrin.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">carleton@coffrin.com</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> <b>Elisabeth Lobe</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">German Aerospace Center (DLR)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:Elisabeth.Lobe@dlr.de" target="_blank"><span lang="es-419" style="color:blue">Elisabeth.Lobe@dlr.de</span></a></span><span style="mso-ligatures:none">
<span lang="es-419"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ligatures:none"> Giacomo Nannicini</span></b><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">University of Southern California<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:g.nannicini@usc.edu" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">g.nannicini@usc.edu</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> <b>Ojas Parekh</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">Sandia National Laboratories<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:odparek@sandia.gov" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">odparek@sandia.gov</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> <b>Introduction</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> Quantum computers offer an alternative way to approach computational problems, and it is widely believed that they can solve certain tasks significantly
faster or with greater accuracy than any classical (i.e., non-quantum) computer. The impact of quantum computers on operations research, and vice versa, has so far been limited, but this is expected to change. Indeed, the construction of more refined and scalable
quantum hardware and software calls for the solution of a diverse range of problems that operations researchers are in prime position to address; examples include hardware design, hardware control, compiling, scheduling, and classical simulation of quantum
devices. Furthermore, thanks to tremendous progress in hardware development and in the construction of basic algorithmic primitives, the past few years have shown significant growth in the volume of research dedicated to the application of quantum computers
for the solution of operations research problems. This includes, but is not limited to, optimization, simulation, and learning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> <b>Special Issue Scope</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> The
<i>INFORMS Journal of Computing</i> wishes to promote high-quality research at the intersection of quantum computing and operations research. To foster the growth of the community and give visibility to top-tier work in this area, the Journal is devoting a
special issue to this topic, and it invites authors to submit manuscripts that substantially advance the state of the art in methodology, theory, algorithms, applications, or software implementation as they pertain to all areas at the intersection of quantum
computing and operations research. This includes, but is not limited to, novel results regarding the development and analysis of quantum or quantum-inspired classical algorithms, both for solving problems in operations research or based on the application
of operations research techniques, the development of solution methodologies for problems that arise in the design and operation of quantum computers, as well as insightful empirical testing of the aforementioned types of algorithms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> The main goal of this special issue is to give a platform to novel research in this emerging area. Survey and tutorial papers are included in this
call; however, any survey or tutorial paper will have to maintain a very high standard of novelty and contribution with respect to existing surveys and tutorials in the open literature. We strongly encourage interested authors to contact one of the guest editors
for this issue to discuss whether their work fits the scope of this special issue, see “Timeline” below.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> The editorial statement of the journal is available at
<a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/page/ijoc/editorial-statement" target="_blank">
<span style="color:blue">https://pubsonline.informs.org/page/ijoc/editorial-statement</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> Submissions should follow the standard requirements of the
<i>INFORMS Journal on Computing</i> articles available at <a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/page/ijoc/submission-guidelines" target="_blank">
<span style="color:blue">https://pubsonline.infor<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlt133495472"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlt133495471">m</span></span>s.org/page/ijoc/submission-guidelines</span></a><a name="_Hlt133495471"></a><a name="_Hlt133495472"></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> Please note that the
<i>INFORMS Journal on Computing</i> has a data policy <a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/page/ijoc/datapolicy" target="_blank">
<span style="color:blue">https://pubsonline.informs.org/page/ijoc/datapolicy</span></a> and a software policy
<a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/page/ijoc/softwarepolicy" target="_blank">
<span style="color:blue">https://pubsonline.informs.org/page/ijoc/softwarepolicy</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> <b>Timeline</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> The editors ask potential authors to prepare a short proposal, that is, a letter of intent, before making a full submission of a paper. Please
note the following dates:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> September 30, 2023 Letter of interest sent to the editors (via e-mail), with an abstract for the proposed contribution. (This step is not
mandatory but strongly preferred to ensure proper review. Early letters are encouraged; submit the letter copying all guest editors).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:35.3pt;text-indent:-35.3pt">
<b><span style="mso-ligatures:none">January 15, 2024 Deadline for first round of submissions.</span></b><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:35.3pt;text-indent:-35.3pt">
<span style="mso-ligatures:none">April 15, 2024 First round of reviews completed; decisions (and requests for revision, if appropriate) delivered to authors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:35.3pt;text-indent:-35.3pt">
<span style="mso-ligatures:none">June 15, 2024 Revisions due after first round decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:35.3pt;text-indent:-35.3pt">
<span style="mso-ligatures:none">August 15, 2024 Second round of reviews delivered to authors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">August 30, 2024 Final versions of accepted papers must be submitted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> <b>Submission Instructions</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> Papers must be submitted online at
<a href="https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ijoc" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ijoc</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> When submitting a paper, please note the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> Under “Step 1: Type, Title, & Abstract,” select “Special Issue” for “Type.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"> Under “Step 5: Details & Comments,” answer “This paper is for which special issue?” with “Quantum Comput<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alice Smith<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Editor in Chief, INFORMS Journal on Computing<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none">**********************************************</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none">Alice E. Smith, Ph.D., P.E.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none">Joe W. Forehand/Accenture Distinguished Professor</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none">Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
<i>and</i></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none">Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none">Auburn University, AL 36849 USA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:smithae@auburn.edu"><span style="color:blue">smithae@auburn.edu</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="http://www.eng.auburn.edu/users/smithae/"><span style="color:blue">http://www.eng.auburn.edu/users/smithae/</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none">**********************************************</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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