Global optimization is a multi-disciplinary research field that deals with the characterization and computation of global extrema of nonconvex, nonsmooth and discrete functions. Global optimization problems are frequently encountered in modeling real world systems for a wide spectrum of applications in science, engineering, management, and complex systems.

Global optimization is playing a pivoting role in the development of modern engineering and sciences. With the rapid development of practical global optimization methodologies in the last thirty years, more and more scientists and engineers in diverse disciplines have been using global optimization techniques and algorithms to solve their respective problems. The field has become mature enough to call for the establishment of an international organization.

The International Society of Global Optimization (iSoGOp) was proposed at the First World Congress on Global Optimization held in Changsha, Hunan, China, June 1-5, 2009. The 2nd World Congress of Global Optimization will be held in July 3-7, 2011, Chania, Greece. The society is a professional society that seeks to promote common understanding of all disciplines in related fields of global optimization, and to advance the theory and methodology for academicians and practitioners. Our motto is “Unity through Diversity!”