Improving LLM-based Global Optimization with Search Space Partitioning
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Abstract (arXiv)
Large Language Models (LLMs) have recently emerged as effective surrogate models and candidate generators within global optimization frameworks for expensive blackbox functions. Despite promising results, LLM-based methods often struggle in high-dimensional search spaces or when lacking domain-specific priors, leading to sparse or uninformative suggestions. To overcome these limitations, we propose HOLLM, a novel global optimization algorithm that enhances LLM-driven sampling by partitioning the search space into promising subregions. Each subregion acts as a ``meta-arm'' selected via a bandit-inspired scoring mechanism that effectively balances exploration and exploitation. Within each selected subregion, an LLM then proposes high-quality candidate points, without any explicit domain knowledge. Empirical evaluation on standard optimization benchmarks shows that HOLLM consistently matches or surpasses leading global optimization methods, while substantially outperforming global LLM-based sampling strategies.
Key facts. Cited by 6 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 33 of its 67 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 27 May 2025.
Builds on
33 of 67 references.
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21 more
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Built on by
Citing papers per year: 2026: 6.
6 papers.
- 2026Can LLMs Beat Classical Hyperparameter Optimization Algorithms? A Study on autoresearchcited by 15
- 2026Agentic Bayesian Optimization through Surrogate-Augmented Autoresearchcited by 6
- 2026Multi-Objective Hierarchical Optimization with Large Language Modelscited by 1
- 2026stratum: A System Infrastructure for Massive Agent-Centric ML Workloadscited by 1
- 2026An Open-Source Training Dataset for Foundation Models for Black-box Optimizationcited by 0
- 2026Agentic High-Dimensional Bayesian Optimization with Hypothesis- and Evidence-Guided Searchcited by 0
- 2026Agentic High-Dimensional Bayesian Optimization with Hypothesis- and Evidence-Guided Search28 Sep 2026
- 2026Agentic Bayesian Optimization through Surrogate-Augmented Autoresearch31 Jul 2026
- 2026An Open-Source Training Dataset for Foundation Models for Black-box Optimization22 May 2026
- 2026Can LLMs Beat Classical Hyperparameter Optimization Algorithms? A Study on autoresearch25 Mar 2026
- 2026stratum: A System Infrastructure for Massive Agent-Centric ML Workloads3 Mar 2026
- 2026Multi-Objective Hierarchical Optimization with Large Language Models20 Jan 2026