Evolutionary Algorithms in Molecular Design

When trying to find new methods and problem-solving strategies for their research, scientists often turn to nature for inspiration. An excellent example of this is the application of Darwin's Theory of Evolution, particularly the notion of the 'survival of the fittest', in computer programs designed to search for optimal solutions to many kinds of problems. These 'evolutionary algorithms' start from a population of possible solutions to a given problem and, by applying evolutionary principles, evolve successive generations with improved characteristics until an optimal, or near-optimal, solution is obtained. This book highlights the versatility of evolutionary algorithms …