Genetic Programming, Theory, Methods and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

   Genetic Programming (GP) is the most recent technique in the field of evolutionary computation. It is inspired by the principles of Darwinian evolution, and aims to automatically build computer programs for accomplishing specific tasks. Recent years have seen several successful applications of GP for addressing complex real-world problems in various domains. In addition to the applications of GP, researchers have put significant effort into the theoretical study of GP. Important results have been obtained in the definition of semantics-based operators and the run-time analysis of GP. With the growing popularity of Deep Learning (DL), evolutionary computation research is now focused on the definition of suitable methods for evolving the topology of a DL architecture. This topic has been studied previously, especially with regard to shallow architectures. Additionally, hybridization of GP with other machine learning techniques may provide new results from both theoretical and practical points of view.

    This Special Issue aims to collect contributions in the area of GP with the goal of advancing the current knowledge of the field. In particular, contributions covering theoretical contributions are encouraged. These contributions will ideally be focused on hybridization methods, neuroevolution, semantics, run-time analysis, or other significant topics in the field of GP. Practical contributions are also welcome, but they should report significant results achieved with GP to overcome complex real-world problems.

Dr. Mauro Castelli
Dr. Luca Manzoni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.