Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Optimization And Control Of Agent-Based Models In Biology: A Perspective, G. An, B. G. Fitzpatrick, S. Christley, P. Federico, A. Kanarek, R. Miller Neilan, M. Oremland, R. Salinas, R. Laubeanbacher, S. Lenhart

Mathematics Faculty Works

Agent-based models (ABMs) have become an increasingly important mode of inquiry for the life sciences. They are particularly valuable for systems that are not understood well enough to build an equation-based model. These advantages, however, are counterbalanced by the difficulty of analyzing and using ABMs, due to the lack of the type of mathematical tools available for more traditional models, which leaves simulation as the primary approach. As models become large, simulation becomes challenging. This paper proposes a novel approach to two mathematical aspects of ABMs, optimization and control, and it presents a few first steps outlining how one might …