Introduction: 2025 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in the Practice of Advanced Analytics and Operations Research

The four papers in this special issue were selected as finalists for the 2025 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in the Practice of Advanced Analytics and Operations Research. Established in 1998 to commemorate the life and work of Daniel H. Wagner, the prize recognizes work that combines strong analytical content with clear exposition and demonstrated success in practice. Wagner believed strongly in bringing mathematical rigor to practical problems while also emphasizing that analytical solutions should be communicated clearly and intelligibly. The papers in this issue exemplify that ideal. They address very different decisions—from managing e-commerce inventory and perishable goods, to setting rideshare prices, to planning urban cycling infrastructure—yet share a common achievement: They turn sophisticated analytics into practical solutions with measurable impact.