SMGP 2014 - International Workshop on Semantic Methods in Genetic Programming

Genetic programming (GP)?the application of evolutionary computing techniques to the creation of computer programs?has been a key topic in computational intelligence in the last couple of decades. In the last few years a rising topic in GP has been the use of semantic methods. The aim of this is to provide a way of exploring the input-output behaviour of programs, which is ultimately what matters for problem solving. This contrasts with much previous work in GP, where operators transform the program code and the effect on program behaviour is indirect. This new approach has produced substantially better results on a number of problems, both benchmark problems and real-world applications in areas such as pharmacy; and, has been grounded in a body of theory, which also informs algorithm design.
The main goal of the workshop is to foster discussions rather than present finished work. In tradition with the PPSN workshops, the extended abstracts are not published in the conference proceedings. However, the organisers will make both abstracts and slides available online on the workshop webpage. The workshop is associated with a Special Issue of Genetic Programming and Evolvable Machines Journal by Springer, and provides an opportunity to have an open discussion and receive feedback in preparation for submission to that special issue.
The workshop will take place at PPSN 2014 in September 2014, and researchers working on semantic-related issues of GP are strongly encouraged to submit their working papers.
Scope
All aspects of research related to semantic aspects in GP will be considered, including:
analysis and design of GP algorithms involving phenotypes/behaviours of programs,
design of problem-specific semantic-aware representations and operators,
the use of formal semantic-related methods in GP.