Complex metaheuristics

Complexity is a prevalent feature of numerous natural and artificial systems and as such has attracted much scientific interest in the last decades. The pursuit of computational tools capable of analyzing, modeling or designing systems exhibiting this complex nature –in which the properties of the system are not evident at the bottom level but emerge from its global structure– is a major issue. Metaheuristics can play here an important role due to its intrinsic adaptability and powerful optimization capabilities. In many regards, metaheuristics are also examples of complex systems since their behavior emanates from the orchestrated interplay of simpler algorithmic components. This bidirectional connection between metaheuristics and complex systems offers numerous avenues for fruitful research.