CALL FOR PAPERS: The 4th Workshop on Real-world Applications of Continuous and Mixed-integer Optimization

http://www.ifs.tohoku.ac.jp/shimoyama/gecco-rwacmo/2021

To be held as part of The Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (GECCO 2021), Online-only conference, July 10th-14th 2021.

INVITED SPEAKERS
1. Massimiliano Vasile (University of Strathclyde, UK) - "Recent Advancements on Optimisation under Severe Uncertainty in Astrodynamics"
2. Takehisa Kohira (Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan) - "Knowledge Discovery using Multidisciplinary Design Optimization and Data Mining"


ABOUT
Continuous and mixed-integer optimization are two fields where evolutionary computation (EC) and related techniques (e.g., particle swarm optimization and differential evolution) have been successfully applied in disciplines such as engineering design, robotics, and bioinformatics. Real-world continuous and mixed-integer problems possess unique challenges that cannot be fully replicated by algebraic and artificial problems, where characteristics of these problems could be different across various scientific fields. Some of these characteristics are expensive function evaluations, huge design spaces, multi/many-objective optimization, correlated variables, etc. Besides optimization, EC/related techniques also frequently work hand-in-hand with machine learning and data mining tools to explore trade-offs and infer important knowledge that is highly useful for real-world optimization processes. Fundamental differences between combinatorial and continuous/mixed-integer optimization lead to different research approaches, algorithmic development, and applications of EC/related techniques. It is important that a special focus needs to be given on real-world applications to synergize the research in EC/related methods with real-world applications in both industry and academia, which, in turn, will also benefit research in algorithmic development. This workshop aims to act as a medium for debate, exchange of knowledge and experience, and encourage collaboration for researchers and practitioners from various disciplines to discuss the recent challenges and applications of EC/related techniques for solving real-world continuous and mixed-integer optimization problems.

TOPICS
We invite the submission of original, full papers up to 8 pages to be orally presented at the workshop. Position papers up to 2 pages that present exploratory topics with preliminary results are also welcome. Contributions regarding the algorithmic development of EC/related techniques for continuous/mixed-integer optimization with real-world applications in mind are highly welcomed; for example, how the need to solve real-world applications affects and contributes to the process of algorithmic development and design. Implementation aspects and applications on a specific discipline are also highly welcome. It is expected that submissions focusing on applications should also include aspects and knowledge that could be transferred to general audiences. We welcome submissions from diverse fields of study and background (e.g., engineering, computer science, science) to encourage multidisciplinary discussion during the workshop.

Within the context of continuous and mixed-integer optimization, the topics for the paper submission include (but are not limited to):

1. Real-world applications in a specific field either in academia or industry.
2. Algorithmic development for solving real-world applications.
3. Design exploration, data mining, machine learning, and their synergy with EC/related techniques.
4. Applications of multi- and many-objective EC/related methods in real-world problems.
5. Real-world optimization/design under the presence of uncertainties.
6. Known issues and challenges in real-world implementations and how to tackle them.
7. Review paper on the applications of EC/related techniques in a specific discipline.
8. Competitiveness and disadvantages of EC/related techniques compared to other techniques such as gradient-based methods.
9. Comparison and performance assessment of various EC/related techniques for solving real-world problems.

IMPORTANT DATES (STRICT)
- Submission opening: February 11, 2021
- Submission deadline: April 12, 2021
- Notification of acceptance: April 26, 2021
- Camera-Ready Material: May 3, 2021
- Author registration deadline: May 3, 2021

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The acceptance of the submitted papers will be based on double-blind peer review. Papers should be submitted in PDF and follow the GECCO paper format according to the ACM guidelines. All accepted submissions (including full and position papers) will be presented at the workshop (20 minutes) and published in GECCO 2021 companion proceedings. Submissions should be submitted via GECCO 2021 submission site.

ORGANIZERS:
Akira Oyama (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, JAXA, Japan)
Koji Shimoyama (Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Japan)
Pramudita Satria Palar (Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia)
Hemant Kumar Singh (University of New South Wales Canberra, Australia)
Kazuhisa Chiba (The University of Electro-Communications, Japan)