Research

Research Interests

Evolutionary computation
Multiobjective optimization
Applications of the above in the sciences and engineering broadly; ethical AI.

Research Projects, Past and Present

Algorithms and Analysis

• DO - Deep Optimization algorithm, exploiting symbiogenesis and a deep learning architecture to provide a scalable approach to combinatorial optimization [ More ]
• ParEGO - Bayesian multiobjective optimization (MO) algorithm based on Jones et al's EGO [ More ]
• MOCK - MO clustering algorithm incorporating automated model selection [ More ]
• Performance assessment of stochastic multiobjective optimizers [ More ]
• Adaptive grid archiving - online efficient diversity-maintenance for MO [ More ]
• Hypervolume-based archiving - online convergence and diversity for MO [ More ]
• mQAP - The multiobjective quadratic assignment problem [ Benchmark instances ]
• M-PAES - hybrid MO algorithm combining local and global search [ Paper ]
• PAES - local search-based multiobjective optimizer [ More ]

Evolutionary Models and Frameworks

• Ephemeral resource constraints in optimization [ More ]
• CLEMO - Closed-loop evolutionary multiobjective optimization [ IEEE Magazine Article ]
• Multiobjectivization - transform a fitness landscape to reduce local optima [ Paper ]
• Landscape state machines - stochastic matrix models of fitness landscapes [ Papers ]
• No-Free-Lunch theorems for MO [ Papers ]
• Neutral evolution and redundancy [ Paper ]
• Evolvability in a model of mutation-based evolution [ PhD thesis of Andrew Webb ]
• Cooperation in spatially structured populations [  Paper ]

Applications

• Scaling up of New Energy technologies (New in 2022)
• Use of D-Wave quantum computation in Planning problems (New in 2022)
• Sequential design of experiments and/or Bayesian optmisation in chemical formulation problems (New in 2022)
• Bandit algorithms in wholesale electricity trading (at Invenia Labs)
• Distributionally robust optimisation in electricity trading (at Invenia Labs)
• Radio Pulsar Detection (PhD project with Jodrell Bank) [ Paper ]
• Maintenance scheduling in the power industry [ Benchmarks and Results ]
• Evolution of Anti-inflammatory Combinatory Drugs [ Paper ]
• Protein structure prediction methods and investigations [ More ]
• CLADE - BBSRC grant on Closed-loop aptamer directed evolution (Co-Investigator) [ More ]
• MUSCLE - BBSRC grant on mass spectrometry optimization (Principal Investigator) [ Paper ]
• Closed-loop optimization of analytical instruments [ Papers ]
• Husermet - BBSRC grant on large-scale study of human disease (Co-Investigator) [ Dunn et al Nature Protocols paper by the Husermet Consortium ]
• MCISB - Manchester Centre for Integrative Systems Biology (Co-Investigator) [ More ]
• Timetabling
• Chocolate production - Early-warning recognition of water damage in cocoa beans [ Paper ]
• Constrained spanning trees in telecommunications optimization [ Papers ]
• Small molecule structure elucidation from NMR spectra [ Paper ]
• Drug manufacturability optimization [ More ]
• Radiation therapy treatment planning [ Paper ]

Closed-loop optimization of anti-inflammatory combinatory therapies.
Link to Nature Chemical Biology paper.

MOCK multiobjective clustering and model selection
- Screenshot from Mockiato -