Overview
Professor Richard G. Palmer is currently working on theories of statistical mechanics. He is interested in the application and development of statistical physics methods for many types of complex systems, including glasses and spin glasses, neural networks, genetic algorithms, and economic markets. The long-term goal of his work is to establish firm theoretical foundations for understanding the emergence of structure, complexity, and computational ability in driven systems of interacting adaptive components. He is also author of two books on the theory of neural networks and on the theory of extinction.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor Emeritus of Physics
·
2015 - Present
Physics,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Recent Publications
Introduction to the theory of neural computation
Book · January 1, 2018 Comprehensive introduction to the neural network models currently under intensive study for computational applications. It also provides coverage of neural network applications in a variety of problems of both theoretical and practical interest. ... Full text CiteStatistical mechanics approaches to complex optimization problems
Chapter · January 1, 2018 In recent years a number of methods developed in statistical mechanics have been applied to complex optimization problems. The results tend to be more in the form of general theorems and bounds than specific results for particular problems. They are noneth ... Full text CiteOptimization on Rugged Landscapes
Chapter · January 1, 2018 This chapter reviews the notion of a landscape, a discussion of types and properties of landscapes, a description of some models for rugged landscapes, and finally a review of some novel optimization methods for finding the highest or lowest point on a rug ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Models for Learning, Memory and Interference
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1990 - 2002Models for Learning, Memory and Inference
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1990 - 1995Models for Learning, Memory, & Inference
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · 1990 - 1995View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) ·
1973
Ph.D.