The frontier of simulation-based inference

Abstract

Many domains of science have developed complex simulations to describe phenomena of interest. While these simulations provide high-fidelity models, they are poorly suited for inference and lead to challenging inverse problems. We review the rapidly developing field of simulation-based inference and identify the forces giving new momentum to the field. Finally, we describe how the frontier is expanding so that a broad audience can appreciate the profound change these developments may have on science.

10 pages, 3 figures, proceedings for the Sackler Colloquia at the US National Academy of Sciences. v2: fixed typos. v3: clarified text, added references