SHORT COURSE
Bayesian Modeling for Socio-Environmental Data HOSTED BY The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) Annapolis, Maryland, USA August 19–28, 2015 APPLICATION DEADLINE May 29, 2015 ADDITIONAL INFO http://www.sesync.org/opportunities/bayesian-modeling-data Solutions to pressing environmental problems require understanding connections between human and natural systems. Analysis of these systems requires models that can deal with complexity, are able to exploit data from multiple sources, and are honest about uncertainty that arises in different ways. Synthesis of results from multiple studies is often required. Bayesian hierarchical models provide a powerful approach to analysis of socio-environmental problems that are complex and that require synthesis of knowledge. SESYNC will host a nine-day short course August 19–28, 2015 covering basic principles of using Bayesian models to gain insight from data. The goals of the course are to: + Provide a principles-based understanding of Bayesian methods needed to train students, evaluate papers and proposals, and solve research problems. + Communicate the statistical concepts and vocabulary needed to foster collaboration between ecologists, social scientists, and statisticians. + Provide the conceptual foundations and quantitative confidence needed for self-teaching modern analytical methods. FORMAT The course will include lectures and laboratory exercises. Labs will emphasize problem solving requiring programming in R and JAGS. There will be 4–6 group projects using data provided by participants. The projects will be aimed at producing published manuscripts. DETAILS + The course will be held August 19–28, 2015 at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland, and will meet daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. There will be no meeting on Sunday, August 23. + The course is aimed at postdoc, researcher, and faculty participants. Grad students may also be considered. + There is no fee to attend, but participants are responsible for most of their own travel and accommodations. + For those willing to share a room with another participant, SESYNC will provide local hotel accommodations. If a private hotel room is desired, SESYNC will cover 50% of hotel costs. + Coffee/tea and lunch will be provided daily. APPLY Visit http://www.sesync.org/opportunities/bayesian-modeling-data for complete details. Applications must be received by May 29, 2015, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Selected participants will be notified by June 15, 2015. The course will be limited to 25 participants. All participants must be proficient users of R and be able to bring a laptop to each class meeting. QUESTIONS? Please email Dr. Mary Collins at: [email protected]
