about
Simulation-based inference and other accelerated inference methods are now widely used across astrophysics. Galaxy evolution offers unique opportunities, as well as novel challenges.
Simulation-based inference (SBI), also known as implicit or likelihood-free inference (see Cranmer et al. 2020), allows us to perform Bayesian inference directly from expensive numerical simulations, and is particularly powerful when the likelihood is intractable.
Following meetings in 2024, 2025 and 2026, we are again bringing together SBI experts and galaxy evolution researchers to discuss the problems and solutions in applying these methods. SBI4GALEV is a small, focused meeting, with plenty of time for discussion and practical sessions.
Topics from previous meetings
Theory
Flavours of SBI, density estimation, transfer learning, model comparison, hierarchical modelling, amortised inference, simulation budgets, active learning, domain adaptation.
Applications
Spectro-photometric and resolved SED fitting, dynamics, reionisation, AGN modelling, resolved stellar populations, gravitational waves, CMB foregrounds, population-level modelling.
Tools and techniques
Differentiable programming, efficient sampling, forward-modelling frameworks, simulation design, calibration and convergence testing.
when & where
Senate House,
London
When
6–9 July 2027
Tuesday to Friday
Where
Senate House
Malet Street, Bloomsbury
London WC1E 7HU
Open in maps
Russell Square and Goodge Street Underground stations are a few minutes’ walk away. Euston and King’s Cross St Pancras (for Eurostar) are around 15–20 minutes on foot.
key dates
- Abstract submission opens4 January 2027
- Abstract deadline26 March 2027
- Registration opens19 April 2027
- Registration closes6 June 2027
- Meeting6–9 July 2027
people
Organising committee
- Chris LovellChairUniversity of Cambridge
- Sotiria FotopoulouChairUniversity of Bristol
- Alessio Spurio ManciniDepartment of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Royal Holloway, University of London
- Carolina M. García LópezDepartment of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Royal Holloway, University of London
previous meetings
- 042027 London
- 032026 Cambridge
- 022025 Bristol
- 012024 Bristol