Mathematical Sciences: Second International Workshop on Bayesian Robustness; May, 1995; Rimini, Italy

本次会议的目的是将鲁棒贝叶斯推理领域的专家聚集在一起，讨论应用，最近的方法发展和理论。特别令人感兴趣的是实现理论的实用方法，例如利用统计计算的最新进展的方法。研讨会将讨论的主题包括：生物统计学中的鲁棒贝叶斯方法、局部敏感性、层次模型、动态图形、贝叶斯因子、密度估计和时间序列。术语“贝叶斯统计”是指一类基于概率论的数据分析技术。这些技术非常普遍，并已成功地应用于质量控制、工程、心理学、医学、环境科学和天体物理学等不同领域。但是贝叶斯方法在科学技术中的应用一直受到阻碍，因为贝叶斯分析经常需要使用某些简化的假设。“贝叶斯稳健性”涉及开发技术，以理解统计学家在分析数据时所使用的假设对科学结论的依赖程度。贝叶斯鲁棒性是成功开发实用贝叶斯数据分析方法的关键。这是一个相对较新的、快速发展的领域，因此研究人员——尤其是年轻的研究人员——很难接触到最新的思想。研讨会的目的是召集研究人员讨论这一领域的最新进展。对本次会议的建议支持水平虽然略低于我们所希望的水平，但仍然很大，加上意大利政府提供的资金，我们期望举办一次高质量的讲习班。事实上，会议的筹备工作正在进行中，许多顶级研究人员已经表示有意参加。此外，数理统计研究所表示，他们很可能会在他们的讲座笔记系列中发表这些会议记录。我们将尽一切努力确保会议取得成功。

The purpose of this conference is to bring together experts in the area of robust Bayesian inference to discuss applications, recent methodological developments and theory. Of particular interest are practical methods for implementing the theory such as those that exploit recent advances in statistical computing. Among the topics to be discussed at the workshop are: robust Bayesian methods in biostatistics, local sensitivity, hierarchical models, dynamic graphics, Bayes factros, density estimation and time series. The term ``Bayesian statistics'' refers to a class of data analysis techniques based on probability theory . These techniques are very general and have been successfully used in such diverse areas as quality control, engineering, psychology, medicine, environmental sciences and astrophysics. But applications of Bayesian methods to science and technology have been hindered since Bayesian analysis often requires the use of certain simplifying assumptions. ``Bayesian robustness'' is concerned with developing techniques for understanding how scientific conclusions depend on the assumptions that are used by statisticians when analyzing the data. Bayesian robustness is crucial for the successful development of practical Bayesian data analysis methods. It is a relatively new, quickly growing area and hence it difficult for researchers -- especially young researchers -- to meet and stay in touch with the latest ideas. The objective of the workshop is to draw together researchers to discuss the latest advances in this field. LEVEL OF EFFORT STATEMENT The recommended level of support for this conference, though slightly lower than what we had hoped for, is still substantial and, together with the funds provided by the Italian government, we expect to produce a high quality workshop. Indeed, preparations for the conference are in progress and many top researchers have already indicated their intention to participate. Furthermore, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics has indicated that it is likely they will publish the proceedings in their Lecture Note series. We will make every effort to ensure a successful conference.