Talks

"Imsets, introduced by Studený (see Studený, 2005 for details), are an algebraic method for representing conditional independence models. They have many attractive properties when applied to such models, and they are particularly nice when applied to directed acyclic graph (DAG) models. In particular, the standard imset for a DAG is in one-to-one correspondence with the independence model it induces, and hence is a label for its Markov equivalence class. We present a proposed extension to standard imsets for maximal ancestral graph (MAG) models, which have directed and bidirected edges, using the parameterizing set representation of Hu and Evans (2020). By construction, our imset also represents the Markov equivalence class of the MAG. We show that for many such graphs our proposed imset defines the model, though there is a subclass of graphs for which the representation does not. We prove that it does work for MAGs that include models with no adjacent bidirected edges, as well as for a large class of purely bidirected models. If there is time, we will also discuss applications of imsets to structure learning in MAGs. This is joint work with Zhongyi Hu (Oxford). References Z. Hu and R.J. Evans, Faster algorithms for Markov equivalence, In Proceedings for the 36th Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (UAI-2020), 2020. M. Studený, Probabilistic Conditional Independence Structures, Springer-Verlag, 2005."

The fundamental nature of dark matter (DM) so far eludes direct detection experiments, but it has left its imprint in the large-scale structure (LSS) of the Universe. I will present a search using cosmic microwave background (CMB) and galaxy surveys for ultra-light DM particle candidates called axions that are well motivated from high energy theory. In combining these datasets, I will discuss how the presence of axions can improve consistency between these probes and, in particular, help alleviate the S_8 cosmological parameter tension (the discrepancy in the amplitude of density fluctuations as inferred from CMB and galaxy data). I will then present complementary searches for ultra-light and light (sub-GeV) DM using a LSS probe called the Lyman-alpha forest. By combining complementary large- and small-scale structure probes, I will demonstrate how current and forthcoming cosmological data will systematically test the nature of DM. In order to model novel DM physics accurately and efficiently in CMB and LSS probes, I will present new machine learning approaches using neural network "emulators" to accelerate DM parameter inference from days to seconds and active learning to reduce massively the computational expense.

Zoom Link: TBD

Take a musical journey of the mind and the cosmos on April 14 when scientist Stephon Alexander presents a live talk at Perimeter Institute called The Jazz of Physics. 

Alexander, a professor of physics at Brown University, began his journey to science in high school where he encountered a teacher who believed in his potential and introduced him to the magic of jazz, fostering a connection between John Coltrane and Albert Einstein.

He'll demonstrate how the search for answers to deep cosmological puzzles has parallels to  jazz improvisation. He will also explore new ways that music, in particular jazz, mirrors concepts in modern physics such as quantum mechanics, general relativity, and the early universe. 

Free tickets to attend in person will become available on Monday, April 3 at 9 am ET.

Perimeter Institute tickets: www.perimeterinstitute.ca/tickets