Memetic algorithms: The untold story

Abstract

I believe this is, in some sense, the end. It is, however, only the end of one journey. We are not abandoning our quest as a new destiny is on the horizon. As happens with the end of any cycle, new opportunities and a large number of challenges arise. Certainly, there is much more to be done for memetic algorithms than what we have collectively achieved until now. I truly believe this is the end of one journey, the end of the beginning of memetic algorithms. And now, although I am very happy that we have finally established the field, I am equally concerned about becoming "the establishment". Writing and editing a handbook, for somebody who dislikes academic dogmas and appreciates the continuous criticism his own work, the task becomes intrinsically challenging. And now, in a non-rhetorical way I ask, like a child in a car: "Are we there yet?" and "What's next?" © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.