Theory
Flavours of SBI, density estimation techniques, transfer learning, model comparison, hierarchical modelling, amortized inference, simulation budget, active learning, domain adaptation...
Scientific Rationale
Simulation Based Inference (SBI; also known as implicit or likelihood-free inference, see Cranmer et al. 2020) is increasingly being applied to many astrophysical problems. In the field of galaxy evolution there are a number of unique opportunities to utilise these methods, but also novel challenges.
Following the success of our 2024 and 2025 meetings, we aim to bring together both experts in SBI as well as galaxy evolution experts with SBI experience, to discuss problems and solutions faced when applying these methods to a diverse range of problems in galaxy evolution. We aim to host a relatively small, focused meeting to enable plenty of time for discussion and practical sessions.
Applications
Spectro-photometric (resolved) SED fitting, dynamics, reionisation, AGN modelling, resolved stellar populations, gravitationl waves, CMB foregrounds, population level modelling...
Tools and Techniques
Differentiable programming, efficient sampling approaches, forward modelling frameworks, numerical simulation design, calibration and convergence testing...
Important dates
Mark your calendar
Abstracts
Submissions open
Dec 5, 2025 · Application form
Abstracts
Submission deadline
Mar 2, 2026
Registration
Opens
Apr 6, 2026
Registration
Closes
May 22, 2026
Workshop
Meeting dates
Jun 23–26, 2026
People
Invited speakers (TBC)
Participation
How to join
Abstract Submission
We welcome talk, tutorial or discussion session submissions, from researchers at all career stages. Form here.
Opens: December 5th 2025
Closes: March 2nd 2026
Registration
Details TBA.
Opens: April 6th 2026
Closes: May 22nd 2026
Support
Travel and registration waiver
We hope to be able to provide a registration waver and some support for travel for a few ECRs. We will share further details after the abstract submission deadline.
Logistics
Venue, travel, and access
Venue
Location: University of Cambridge, UK
Address: TBC.
Travel
- Nearest airport: Stansted, UK
- Nearest train station: Cambridge Station
Scientific Organising Committee
Chris Lovell [Homepage]
University of Cambridge
Sotiria Fotopoulou [Homepage]
University of Bristol
Marc Huertas-Company [Homepage]
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
Patricia Iglesias Navarro [Homepage]
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
Annalisa Pillepich [Homepage]
MPIA
Matthew Ho [Homepage]
Columbia University
Thomas Harvey [Homepage]
University of Manchester
Niall Jeffrey [Homepage]
University College London
Philippa Cole [Homepage]
Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca
Anna Lena Schaible [Homepage]
IMPRS Heidelberg
Grant Stevens [Homepage]
University of Bristol
Local Organising Committee
Chris Lovell
University of Cambridge
Amanda Stoffers
University of Cambridge
Natalie Hogg
University of Cambridge
William McClymont
University of Cambridge
Stephen Thorp
University of Cambridge
James Alvey
University of Cambridge
Sinan Deger
University of Cambridge
Angelica Lola Danhaive
University of Cambridge
Community
Code of conduct
We expect all participants to abide by the code of conduct.