Efficient Bayesian Inference over Nonlinear Differential Equations with Hamiltonian Monte Carlo on the Riemann Manifold

Mark A Girolami (University of Glasgow)

Thursday 5th March, 2009 14:00-15:00 Mathematics Building, 325

Abstract

Formally characterising uncertainty in systems of differential equations within a statistical inferential framework is something which mathematicians and statisticians have only very recently started to consider. There is great motivation within the area of Computational Systems Biology to fully define and propagate all sources of uncertainty in model-based reasoning regarding the biochemical mechanisms initiating and regulating fundamental biological processes. The Bayesian methodology provides such an inferential framework, however, whilst beautifully elegant in principle the computational statistical challenges associated with its practical instantiation are formidable. This talk presents two contributions in addressing such challenges, the first presents a statistically and computationally efficient Markov Chain Monte Carlo Sampler for systems of nonlinear differential equations by the introduction of auxiliary functional processes into the overall model. The second contribution defines a non-separable Hamiltonian defined on the Riemann manifold and an explicit time reversible symplectic integrator is developed which provides a means of performing Hybrid Monte Carlo on the manifold defined by the nonlinear dynamic system described by the system of equations. Convergence to the stationary distribution in cases of, for example, time-delayed differential equations is improved four-hundred fold, additional biochemical model examples will be presented.

Add to your calendar

Download event information as iCalendar file (only this event)