Operations Research 2025
Abstract Submission

2447. Bayesian optimization for mixed feature spaces using tree kernels and graph kernels

Invited abstract in session WD-5: Semi-plenary talk Misener, stream PC Stream.

Wednesday, 15:15-16:00
Room: H7

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Ruth Misener
Department of Computing, Imperial College London

Abstract

We investigate Bayesian optimization for mixed-feature spaces using both tree kernels and graph kernels for Gaussian processes. With respect to trees kernels, our Bayesian Additive Regression Trees Kernel (BARK) uses tree agreement to define a posterior over sum-of-tree functions. With respect to graph kernels, our acquisition function with shortest paths encoded allows us to optimize over graphs, for instance to find the best graph structure and/or node features. We formulate both acquisition functions using mixed-integer optimization and show applications to a variety of challenges in molecular design, engineering and machine learning.

The tree kernel work is joint with Toby Boyne, Alexander Thebelt, Jose Folch, Calvin Tsay, Robert Lee, Nathan Sudermann-Merx, David Walz, and Behrang Shafei.

The graph kernel work is joint with Yilin Xie, Shiqiang Zhang, Jixiang Qing, and Calvin Tsay.

Keywords

Status: accepted


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