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Combining Machine Learning and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
WCPM: Sereina Riniker (ETH Zürich)

Abstract:

From simple clustering techniques to sophisticated neural networks, the use of machine learning has become a valuable tool in many fields of chemistry in the past decades. Here, we describe different ways in which we explore the combination of machine learning (ML) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. One topic focuses on how the information in MD simulations can be encoded as input to train ML models for the quantitative understanding of molecular systems. Molecular dynamics fingerprints (MDFP) represent an orthogonal description of molecules compared to topological fingerprints and are highly versatile. The second topic addresses the utilization of ML to improve the set-up, interpretation, as well as accuracy of MD simulations. In classical MD simulations, the physical interactions between atoms are described with an empirical force field. This involves a large number of parameters for each molecule, which are fitted to quantum-mechanical (QM) or available experimental data. There is a need for more accurate and general force fields. In this context, we demonstrate how ML approaches can aid in force-field development, e.g. for the improved generation of partial charges for organic molecules. In the third part, we explore the use of ML for increasing the speed and accuracy of QM/MM MD simulations of molecules in solution.