Finding the optimal set of solutions for complex problems is both art and science, says new JYU professor
This past autumn, Michael Emmerich started as a new professor of multiobjective optimization in the Faculty of Information Technology at the Ģֱ.
“Multiobjective optimization helps decision-makers to make informed decisions in complex problem situations and find good alternative solutions to the problems at hand,” says Emmerich, describing his field of expertise. “We can narrow the vast set of potential solutions to a focused selection of highly promising options. However, even these near win-win solutions come with some inherent trade-offs.”
"We need decision-makers to evaluate what the most preferred option for them is. Decision-makers can also continue to interact with the software to further narrow down the choices."
Multiobjective optimization is applied in fields from industrial process design and logistics to healthcare.
“For instance, when planning or operating an industrial process the decision-makers might want to emphasize not only the profits but also environmental impact as well as employee well-being and safety,” explains Emmerich “In this kind of situation there is no one simple solution that optimizes all criteria, but one might still find well-balanced, near win-win solutions.”
Passion for computers and environmental issues led to a career in process optimization
Emmerich grew up near Germany’s highly industrialized Ruhr region, where he took an early interest in computers and process optimization.
“I’ve always been interested in technology, especially computers, but I also have a love for the natural world,” says Emmerich. “In my youth I was enthusiastic about computer programming. but at the same time I was upset about environmental destruction and pollution in my region.”
Emmerich began to think that computers might be able to assist in making industrial processes safer, more environmentally friendly, and cost efficient.
These ideas became reality when he started his studies in chemical technology and computer science at Dortmund University of Technology. He completed his doctoral degree while working as a research consultant for the German chemical industry. His focus was efficient multi-criteria optimization processes.
After graduation, he first worked as an assistant professor and later on became associate professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
Jyväskylä offers access to nature and a strong academic community
While based in the Netherlands, Emmerich often travelled to collaborate with the world’s leading experts in his field. This included visits to the Multiobjective Optimization Group at the Ģֱ.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emmerich settled in Jyväskylä, where he now lives with his wife and children. He likes the city’s compact size, as well as its thriving academic and cultural scene.
Emmerich has a lot of praise for his new home country: “I appreciate Finnish culture, especially the emphasis on education and people’s relationship with nature. Finland is also a great country for outdoor sports and pursuing an active lifestyle.”
