December 12 - 14, 2023

Workshop on Data Science in Astronomy

at IUCAA, Pune

Overview

IUCAA will host a data science meeting focussed on state-of-the-art computational techniques in order to leverage the vast and rich datasets that Astronomy provides. The workshop will be conducted over three days from December 12, 2023 - December 14, 2023, and will be held during the morning session. 

The integration of traditional scientific domains with state-of-the-art computational techniques is revolutionizing research paradigms. Astronomy, with its rich datasets, is already taking advantage of many machine learning techniques, and statistical methodologies, but much more can be accomplished.


The proposed meeting on Data Science in Astronomy seeks to serve as a bridge for this interdisciplinary synergy. For data science students, the allure lies not only in mastering advanced techniques but in witnessing their application in the realm of astronomy—a field known for its vast and challenging datasets. The astronomical domain offers some of the most intricate and massive datasets, making it an enticing playground for data scientists looking for real-world, complex challenges. Diving into use cases in astronomy could provide data science students with unparalleled exposure, allowing them to apply their skills in innovative ways and tackle problems that differ from the standard fare of commercial or social datasets.


Simultaneously, for many astronomy students, postdocs, and even faculty, while they possess a deep understanding of traditional astronomical methods, the multifaceted world of data science can appear intimidating. Even if short, this workshop endeavors to provide a foundational bridge, ensuring both groups—astronomers and data scientists—not only acquire knowledge of the other's domain but also appreciate the immense potential of their combined expertise.


Moreover, the meeting represents a nexus for networking, collaboration, and the amalgamation of ideas through the hackathon which is equally about brainstorming as programming. By uniting individuals from these diverse backgrounds, we anticipate the start of collaborative projects, both short and long,  that will continue into the future.


Given the large interest, we are also live streaming the meeting at the following link:

A three-day summit of talks and activities

The meeting will be conducted in the morning session on each of the three days 12, 13 and 14th of December, 2023. The rest of the day will be free for the participants to attend to their daily schedule.

12th December

 Introductory & Advanced Lectures

13th December

Use Cases - Exploration of real-world data science applications in astronomy

14th December

Hackathon

 

 

The meeting will be aimed at undergraduate students (2nd year and above) from colleges and universities, graduate (MSc/PhD) students as well as practitioners of data science in research institutes, in and around Pune. The meeting will include introductory talks on the first day, followed by talks on use cases on the second day, and a data hackathon on the third day. The meeting will run only in the morning session.

 

 

Scientific Organizing Committee

Ashish Mahabal 

Caltech / IUCAA

Surhud More

IUCAA, Pune

Susmita Adhikari

IISER, Pune

Shriharsh Tendulkar

TIFR / NCRA

Yogesh Wadadekar

TIFR / NCRA

 

 

Venue

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics

IUCAA, Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune 411 007, Maharashtra, India