Gaussian Process Regression–Neural Network Hybrid with Optimized Redundant Coordinates: A New Simple Yet Potent Tool for Scientist's Machine Learning Toolbox

Recently, a Gaussian process regression–neural network (GPRNN) hybrid machine learning method was proposed, which is based on additive‐kernel GPR in redundant coordinates constructed by rules [J. Phys. Chem. A 127 (2023) 7823]. The method combines the expressive power of an NN with the robustness of linear regression, in particular, with respect to overfitting when the number of neurons is increased beyond optimal. We introduce opt‐GPRNN, in which the redundant coordinates of GPRNN are optimized with a Monte Carlo algorithm, and show that when combined with optimization of redundant coordinates, GPRNN attains the lowest test set error with much fewer terms/neurons and retains the advantage of avoiding overfitting when the number of neurons is increased beyond optimal value. The method, opt‐GPRNN, possesses an expressive power closer to that of a multilayer NN and could obviate the need for deep NNs in some applications. With optimized redundant coordinates, a dimensionality reduction regime is also possible. Examples of application to machine learning, an interatomic potential and materials informatics are given.