Stat 319 – Literature of statistics

This quarter we will read papers related to recent advances in sampling, to a large extent driven by machine learning and generative AI. There will also be options to read papers on foundational topics in probability that are intimately related to those sampling methods. A high level list of topics inlcude:

• Denoising diffusions

• Normalizing flows

• Optimal transport/Schroedinger bridges

• Stochastic localization

Due to the substantial enrollment, a subset of lectures will be devoted to a presentation made by 2 students. You are required to

1. Decide whether to resent by yourself or form a pair,

2. Choose one paper in this papers list a

3. Write to me by January 13, in order to fix a day and a paper.

Some papers are useful background for others. Therefore we will try to follow the order in which papers are assigned. Papers will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

See schedule for some recommendations on the presentations.

Class Times and Locations

• Wed 3:00PM - 4:20PM

• Sequoia Hall, Room 200