Programming by Optimisation Meets Parameterised Algorithmics: A Case Study for Cluster Editing

Inspired by methods and theoretical results from parameterised algorithmics, we improve the state of the art in solving Cluster Editing, a prominent NP-hard clustering problem with applications in computational biology and beyond. In particular, we demonstrate that an extension of a certain preprocessing algorithm, called the \((k+1)\)-data reduction rule in parameterised algorithmics, embedded in a sophisticated branch-&-bound algorithm, improves over the performance of existing algorithms based on Integer Linear Programming (ILP) and branch-&-bound. Furthermore, our version of the \((k+1)\)-rule outperforms the theoretically most effective preprocessing algorithm, which yields a 2k-vertex kernel. Notably, this 2k-vertex kernel is analysed empirically for the first time here. Our new algorithm was developed by integrating Programming by Optimisation into the classical algorithm engineering cycle – an approach which we expect to be successful in many other contexts.