What is: Population Based Training?

Population Based Training, or PBT, is an optimization method for finding parameters and hyperparameters, and extends upon parallel search methods and sequential optimisation methods. It leverages information sharing across a population of concurrently running optimisation processes, and allows for online propagation/transfer of parameters and hyperparameters between members of the population based on their performance. Furthermore, unlike most other adaptation schemes, the method is capable of performing online adaptation of hyperparameters -- which can be particularly important in problems with highly non-stationary learning dynamics, such as reinforcement learning settings. PBT is decentralised and asynchronous, although it could also be executed semi-serially or with partial synchrony if there is a binding budget constraint.