The Beta Research School for Operations Management and Logistics is recognized by the KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) since 1998. The constituting institutes of Beta are the department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) and the department of Mathematics and Computer Science (MCS) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the Centre for Telematics and Information Technology (CTIT) at Universiteit Twente (UT).
The cornerstone of Beta's success is its thematic focus on analysis, design and control of operational processes. This focus enabled to decide on issues such as: Which new topics are relevant to Beta, which aren't relevant? How to develop multidisciplinary research projects that involve both mathematical modeling and concepts from humanities? What faculty should be acquired to fill methodological and topical gaps?
As a research school Beta is responsible for the education of PhD students. Beta implemented clear procedures with respect to assessing the quality of research projects and PhD applicants. During a PhD research project, progress is measured with respect to PhD education and with respect to the research itself. For each PhD student an individual education plan is developed and appropriate fulfillment of this plan yields the Beta certificate. The assessment of PhD research progress has been established in a motivating format through the yearly Beta PhD seminar, where all PhDs in their third or fourth year present their research results to-date.
Beta has officially been recognized by the Royal Dutch Academy for Sciences (KNAW) since 28 May 1998. On 23 June, 2009, Beta was recognized by this academy for the next period of six years.