A large number of mathematical models in many diverse areas of science and engineering have lead to the formulation of optimization problems where the best solution (globally optimal) is needed. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of global optimization, there has been astonishing progress in this field during the last few decades. Many powerful computational algorithms and new theoretical developments have been introduced to solve a spectrum of hard problems in several disciplines. This book covers a small subset of recent important topics in global optimization with emphasis on recent theoretical developments and scientific applications. The chapters are based on the talks presented at the workshop on 'Global Optimization: Methods and Applications' that was held at the Fields Institute from May 11-12, 2007. The target audience includes graduate students in mathematics, engineering, and sciences, academic researchers, as well as practitioners, who use global optimization for their specific needs and applications.
