IoA Institute of Astronomy Talk Lists

We’ll explore the world of predictive modelling at Bending Spoons. In our suite of apps, each with distinct traits, accurate predictions on user renewals drive rapid app improvement and translate into increased profits. However, for some apps we don’t have sufficient data to make reliable predictions. Transfer learning is a technique that can allow predictive models to learn generic features of all apps, and fine-tune those models on the unique behaviour of each app. I’ll delve into the problems and potential solutions that empower us to acquire and rapidly scale new apps to their full potential.

Speaker: Bending Spoons
Wednesday 14 February 2024, 14:00-15:00
Venue: Maxwell Centre.
Series: Data Intensive Science Seminar Series; organiser: James Fergusson.

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Wed 07 Feb 14:00: All molecules are interesting

Sun, 21/01/2024 - 21:00

All molecules are interesting

Abstract not available

Speaker: Jonathan Goodman - Chemistry
Wednesday 07 February 2024, 14:00-15:00
Venue: Maxwell Centre.
Series: Data Intensive Science Seminar Series; organiser: James Fergusson.

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Tue 12 Mar 13:00: TBC

Mon, 15/01/2024 - 14:03

TBC

Abstract not available

Speaker: Sarah Joiret (U Bordeaux)
Tuesday 12 March 2024, 13:00-14:00
Venue: Ryle seminar room + ONLINE - Details to be sent by email.
Series: Exoplanet Seminars; organiser: Dr Emily Sandford.

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Tue 05 Mar 13:00: TBC

Mon, 15/01/2024 - 14:02

TBC

Abstract not available

Speaker: Maura Lally (Cornell)
Tuesday 05 March 2024, 13:00-14:00
Venue: Ryle seminar room + ONLINE - Details to be sent by email.
Series: Exoplanet Seminars; organiser: Dr Emily Sandford.

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Tue 27 Feb 13:00: TBC

Mon, 15/01/2024 - 14:02

TBC

Abstract not available

Speaker: Claudia Toci (ESO)
Tuesday 27 February 2024, 13:00-14:00
Venue: Ryle seminar room + ONLINE - Details to be sent by email.
Series: Exoplanet Seminars; organiser: Dr Emily Sandford.

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Fri 23 Feb 11:30: Decoding the Gravitational-Wave Biographies of Binary Black Holes

Thu, 11/01/2024 - 11:26

Decoding the Gravitational-Wave Biographies of Binary Black Holes

With the fourth observing run of the LIGO -Virgo-KAGRA detector network ongoing, the number of detections of gravitational waves from binary black hole mergers is rapidly reaching into the hundreds. However, despite this wealth of detections, it is still unclear how black holes become bound into tight binaries that merge within the age of the Universe. Binaries that form and merge in isolation are predicted to have different parameters than those that form under the influence of dynamical interactions with other objects. Traditionally, we have looked to the masses and spins of these binaries to teach us about their formation. However, arguably the most robust indication of dynamical evolution is orbital eccentricity: while isolated binaries will have essentially circular orbits at detection, a fraction of dynamically-formed binaries should have measurably non-zero eccentricity. Gravitational waves from eccentric binaries have historically been challenging to detect and analyse. Yet in the last few years, a handful of the signals reported by the LIGO -Virgo-KAGRA collaboration, including that from the unusually massive binary GW190521 , have been claimed by multiple groups to contain tantalising hints of orbital eccentricity. In this talk, I will demonstrate how evidence of eccentricity in gravitational-wave signals can be decoded and harnessed to reveal details of a binary’s history, and even to probe the identities of external influences to its evolution. I will also discuss what we can learn about our population of binary black holes when we combine observations of their masses, spins, and eccentricity.

Speaker: Isobel Romero-Shaw (DAMTP)
Friday 23 February 2024, 11:30-12:30
Venue: Ryle Large Meeting Room, Kavli Building and via Zoom.
Series: New Frontiers in Astrophysics: A KICC Perspective; organiser: Steven Brereton.

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Fri 23 Feb 11:30: Decoding the Gravitational-Wave Biographies of Binary Black Holes

Thu, 11/01/2024 - 11:26

Decoding the Gravitational-Wave Biographies of Binary Black Holes

With the fourth observing run of the LIGO -Virgo-KAGRA detector network ongoing, the number of detections of gravitational waves from binary black hole mergers is rapidly reaching into the hundreds. However, despite this wealth of detections, it is still unclear how black holes become bound into tight binaries that merge within the age of the Universe. Binaries that form and merge in isolation are predicted to have different parameters than those that form under the influence of dynamical interactions with other objects. Traditionally, we have looked to the masses and spins of these binaries to teach us about their formation. However, arguably the most robust indication of dynamical evolution is orbital eccentricity: while isolated binaries will have essentially circular orbits at detection, a fraction of dynamically-formed binaries should have measurably non-zero eccentricity. Gravitational waves from eccentric binaries have historically been challenging to detect and analyse. Yet in the last few years, a handful of the signals reported by the LIGO -Virgo-KAGRA collaboration, including that from the unusually massive binary GW190521 , have been claimed by multiple groups to contain tantalising hints of orbital eccentricity. In this talk, I will demonstrate how evidence of eccentricity in gravitational-wave signals can be decoded and harnessed to reveal details of a binary’s history, and even to probe the identities of external influences to its evolution. I will also discuss what we can learn about our population of binary black holes when we combine observations of their masses, spins, and eccentricity.

Speaker: Speaker to be confirmed
Friday 23 February 2024, 11:30-12:30
Venue: Ryle Large Meeting Room, Kavli Building and via Zoom.
Series: New Frontiers in Astrophysics: A KICC Perspective; organiser: Steven Brereton.

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Wed 07 Feb 13:15: EDI Seminar: Dignity at Work Policy and Code of Behaviour

Wed, 20/12/2023 - 09:51

EDI Seminar: Dignity at Work Policy and Code of Behaviour

This brief session introduces the recently approved Dignity at Work Policy and combined Grievance Policy by the University’s Regent House, both implemented on June 20, 2023. The primary focus of the Dignity at Work Policy is to address and combat inappropriate behaviour, encompassing issues of bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and victimization. The session will delve into the key components of this policy, highlighting the new Code of Behaviour that articulates the expected standards of conduct for University employees and workers. Attendees will gain insights into how these policies contribute to cultivating a positive workplace culture and supporting the University’s commitment to creating an environment where diverse perspectives can be freely expressed and respected.