This edited research monograph brings together contributions from
computer scientists, biologists, and engineers who are engaged with the
study of evolution and how it may be applied to solve real-world
problems. It also serves as a Festschrift dedicated to Erik D. Goodman,
the founding director of the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in
Action, a pioneering NSF Science and Technology Center headquartered at
Michigan State University. The contributing authors are leading experts
associated with the center, and they serve in top research and
industrial establishments across the US and worldwide.
Part I summarizes the history of the BEACON Center, with refreshingly
personal chapters that describe Erik's working and leadership style, and
others that discuss the development and successes of the center in the
context of research funding, projects, and careers. The chapters in Part
II deal with the evolution of genomes and evolvability. The
contributions in Part III discuss the evolution of behavior and
intelligence. Those in Part IV concentrate on the evolution of
communities and collective dynamics. The chapters in Part V discuss
selected evolutionary computing applications in domains such as arts and
science, automated program repair, cybersecurity, mechatronics, and
genomic prediction. Part VI deals with evolution in the classroom, using
creativity in research, and responsible conduct in research training.
The book concludes with a special chapter from Erik Goodman, a short
biography that concentrates on his personal positive influences and
experiences throughout his long career in academia and industry.
