Derivative-Free Hybrid Optimization Methods for Solving Simulation-Based Problems in Hydrology

This workshop, sponsored by AIM and the NSF, will bring together researchers with expertise in simulation-based optimization, sampling techniques, optimization using surrogates, and hydrology to tackle the complex issues that arise in water resources management applications. For example, plume containment, water supply, and parameter estimation problems rely on optimization algorithms working in conjunction with subsurface simulation tools. The inherent challenges, which are in fact present across all engineering disciplines, include black-box, nonlinear objective functions and constraints, and non-convex, disconnected feasible regions. Hybrid optimization methods offer a potential solution to these problems, but require a deeper analysis to understand their applicability.

Our interests are in

• the development and analysis of hybrid optimization methods to improve accuracy, efficiency and reliability of solutions for this class of problems and to exploit the strengths of a variety of derivative-free optimization and sampling methods not commonly used in hydrology,
• understanding how to choose appropriate algorithms for a specific type of problem, which involves a classification of both problem types and hybrid approaches,
• developing metrics to compare hybrid algorithms, and study these comparisons on benchmarking problems from hydrology.

The workshop will differ from typical conferences in some regards. Participants will be invited to suggest open problems and questions before the workshop begins, and these will be posted on the workshop website. These include specific problems on which there is hope of making some progress during the workshop, as well as more ambitious problems which may influence the future activity of the field. Lectures at the workshop will be focused on familiarizing the participants with the background material leading up to specific problems, and the schedule will include discussion and parallel working sessions.

The deadline to apply for support to participate in this workshop has passed.

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