Horst W. Hamacher is head of the research group for Mathematical Optimization in the Department of Mathematics, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. His main interest is in modeling real-world problems using and developing tools from integer and network optimization and location theory. The transfer of corresponding mathematical models to high-schools and the organization of interdisciplinary projects for students at the University of Kaiserslautern is another major part of his work. He is author and co-author of some 100 refereed publications and 18 books. He is editor or member of the editorial board of several international journals including Algorithmic Operations Research, Discrete Optimization, Operations Research Spectrum and Studies in Locational Analysis. As one of the four directors of the German Operations Research Society (GOR) he is responsible for the annual GOR conferences.