Bayes in space: adding uncertainty to deep learning in solar physics

深度学习是天体物理学中越来越常用的工具，神经网络（NN）的灵活性和速度意味着它们可以应用于各种数据密集型问题。例如，已经开发了NN来提供太阳大气温度的快速估计，帮助解决太阳物理学中的主要问题，例如，日冕是如何被加热到超过一百万度的温度的？一个关键问题是，当前的网络没有提供结果不确定性的度量，这对于确定NN提供的答案是否可信至关重要。这在工业环境中也是非常重要的，因为一个糟糕或错误的答案可能是危险的或昂贵的。在这个项目中，学生的目标是通过实施贝叶斯方法来开发包含不确定性的NN，贝叶斯方法目前处于深度学习研究的最前沿。学生将学习如何用Python编程，并开发尖端深度学习软件（Tensorflow，Pytorch）的知识。此外，他们还将利用美国航天局/欧空局卫星提供的数据，获得太阳物理学领域的经验。开发的网络将应用于太阳物理学研究中的重要问题（例如，太阳等离子体温度估计，消除数据噪音/腐败），有机会在英国和国外的科学会议上分享工作。学生还将应用在行业环境中学到的技能，与我们的工业合作伙伴进行实习。

Deep learning is an increasingly common tool used in astrophysics, with the flexibility and speed of neural networks (NN) meaning they can be applied to a wide range of data intensive problems. For example, NNs have been developed to provide rapid estimates of the Sun's atmospheric temperatures, helping to address major questions in solar physics, e.g., how is the corona heated to temperatures of over a million degrees? One key issue is that the current networks do not provide a measure of the result's uncertainty, which is crucial for determining whether the answers provided by the NN are trustworthy. This is also of great importance in an industry setting, where a poor or incorrect answer could be dangerous or expensive.During this project, the student's goal is to develop NNs that incorporate uncertainty through the implementation of Bayesian approaches, which are currently at the forefront of deep learning research. The student would learn how to programme in Python and develop knowledge of the cutting-edge deep learning software (Tensorflow, Pytorch). Further, they would gain experience in the field of solar physics, working with data from NASA/ESA satellites. The developed networks will be applied to problems important in solar physics research (e.g., solar plasma temperature estimation, removal of data noise/corruption), with the opportunity to share work at scientific conferences in the UK and abroad. The student will also apply the skills learnt in an industry setting, undertaking a placement with our industrial partners.