The optimization laboratory of the department of computer science at Brown University aims at pushing the frontiers of optimization technology, from its theoretical foundations, to the design of fundamental algorithms, the implementation of pioneering optimization platforms, and innovative applications in various domains. It takes pride in pursuing a multi-disciplinary approach to optimization, exploiting the synergies of artificial intelligence, constraint programming, and operations research. The optimization laboratory aims at establishing close collaborations with industrial and governmental institutions and exploiting progress in computer and communication technologies to improve the speed and the quality of decision-making processes. The award-winning Comet system is the development platform of the laboratory.