A significant component of today’s astrophysics research involves processing data, fitting models to data and interpreting the results. As an observational science, it is required to periodically focus on training students and young faculty members in related areas, in particular on Statistics. With large databases and more and more complex models becoming the norm, the role of statistics in estimating uncertainties and in the interpretation of results is increasing exponentially.  There are also new analysis tools involving neural nets and machine learning that demand greater familiarisation for students, PDFs and faculties.

The proposed school on Astrostatistics is planned to serve Ph.D students. Post-doctoral fellows and young faculty researchers. It is expected to prepare them with a strong foundation supplemented with clear example applications (as a hands-on training program) by expert statisticians from India and abroad.

Numerous practicing astrophysics researchers currently employed in India and abroad have benefitted from earlier Astrostatistics schools. The last one was organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in 2013. This gap in training is of concern, and the proposed school is designed to enhance the core training of Ph.D students, PDFs and young faculties in India.

Topics Covered :

•       Introduction to R and python
•       Descriptive statistics
•       Probability, Bayes theorem, CLT
•       Correlation & linear regression
•       Non-parametric statistics, statistical inference 
•        Likelihood computation
•        Introd. to Bayesian inference
•        (Bayesian) Aperture photometry: a case study
•        Model fitting and Bootstrap
•        MCMC
•        Time series analysis
•        Case Study I (X-ray compact objects)
•        Case Study II (Solar/stellar Lightcurve)
•        ML, AI

Registration Link:  https://forms.gle/XnJjWJzufUVscYUC7 

Scientific organising committee (SOC)

• Prof. Jogesh Babu, Penn State University (Chair)
• Prof. P. Sreekumar, MCNS, MAHE
• Dr Vinay Kashyap, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
• Prof. Ranjeev Misra, IUCAA (Co-Convener)
• Dr Pratik Majumder, SINP
• Dr. Sreejith P, MCNS, MAHE 
• Dr Subir Bhattacharyya, BARC (Co-Convener)
• Dr. Debbijoy Bhattacharya, MCNS, MAHE (Convenor)

Local Organising Committee (LOC)

• Dr P. Sreekumar (Chair)
• Dr Kazuyuki Furuuchi
• Dr Surajit Paul
• Dr Sreejith P
• Dr Shalima P
• Dr Suranjan Shil
• Dr Vivek Pandian
• Dr Joby P.
• Dr Megha  Anand
• Mr Ravindra Acharya
• Dr Debbijoy Bhattacharya (convener)

Travel & Accommodation 

• Limited travel support (as per MAHE norms) will be provided to selected students with no other sources of support.
• Accommodation will be provided to all participants in Manipal University accommodation facilities. 

About MCNS

You are on the MCNS website. So here’s the Page where you can learn more about MCNS : https://www.manipal.edu/mcns-manipal/about-mcns.html

You can use the navigation to know more about the Institution, the faculty members and facilities.

About Manipal

Manipal is a suburb or a University Town, within Udupi district. Located 5 kilometers from Udupi city, Manipal is a place of serenity and the right atmosphere for studies and research with the Arabian Sea and Western ghats on either sides, just a few kilometers away.

You can find more about Manipal here

Reaching Manipal

Manipal is connected to rest of the country by Road, Air and Train conveniently.

Visiting Manipal would be convenient by Road as Manipal is very well connected by road to Udupi and Mangaluru, two important transport hubs in the region. If you cannot find a bus to Udupi, you may take a Bus to Mangaluru and there are several busses to Manipal from Mangaluru, every hour between 5am to 10pm. From Udupi, there are several more busses with the local busses and Mangalore-Manipal busses plying via Udupi.

By Train, Udupi station (UD / UDP) is the nearest railway station from where Manipal is only 3 kms away. Mangaluru central and Mangaluru Junction are the other railway stations that may be opted for, as most important trains in the region, have stops here.

By Air, Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) is the nearest airport. Once in Mangaluru, take a local transport to the Bus station, and travel by road to Manipal.

For Further Queries related to Manipal, Travel and other information Contact office.mcns@manipal.edu