Short-Term Scientific Mission

Collaborative Research on Modular Algorithm Framework

Main theme: Algorithm Selection and Configuration
Grantee: Haoran Yin, Universiteit Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands
Host: Thomas Stützle, IRIDIA-CoDE, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium

Start date: 2024-08-20
End date: 2024-08-27
Awarded: 2024-07-31
Report approved: 2024-10-08

Description

Metaphor-based optimization algorithms have emerged rapidly due to the excellent performance of these algorithms in real-world applications, but the theoretical foundations of the new algorithms are relatively weak. Extracting these algorithms into different operators and benchmarking them under a unified algorithmic framework can provide a relatively fair exploration of whether they are effective or not. This STSM aims to address this by exploring the integration of such operators into modular frameworks. Through technical exchanges and collaboration with researchers at Université Libre de Bruxelles, the mission will design experimental frameworks, select datasets, and plan benchmarking experiments. The goal is to find useful operators and enhance algorithm configuration tools.

Achievements

The STSM focused on integrating metaphor-based optimization algorithms into modular frameworks. Technical discussions with Prof. Thomas Stützle and Dr. Christian Camacho Villalon highlighted limitations of metaphor-based approaches, leading to the selection of the Coyote Optimization Algorithm (COA) for analysis. The COA update operator was successfully implemented into the PSO-X modular framework, though initial experiments revealed performance discrepancies compared to benchmark results, attributed to boundary violations and suboptimal hyperparameters. Follow-up plans included hyperparameter tuning and integration into additional frameworks (modular CMA-ES and DE) for cross-system evaluation. The collaboration facilitated knowledge exchange on algorithm critique and contributed to the Action’s objectives of advancing research coordination in black-box optimization. Future meetings were scheduled to strengthen ongoing partnerships.