Deadline Extension - Statistical modelling and inference for networks (Statworks): Research workshop: 28 June-1 July 2010, Bristol, UK The new Deadline is 29th March 2010. A limited number of contributed talks are still available. Posters welcomed. Conference poster: http://www.maths.bris.ac.uk/~madjl/Statworks_Poster.pdf Aim and scope Network structures arise in modelling a wide variety of phenomena in the natural and social sciences, and engineering. As researchers find networks a natural perspective for analysing an ever more diverse set of applications, an almost equally diverse set of a methodologies emerge, ranging from highly-tailored ad hoc solutions to broad attempts to capture the full generality of network inference. In such a new field of exploration, each of these disparate paths contributes to our joint understanding of the scope of network-based models. The aim of this workshop is to gather together statisticians, mathematical modellers and application-oriented researchers, hoping to further this progress by discussing: - commonalities of current methodologies; - where specific applications might borrow methods from other areas; - the contribution that rigorous modelling can make to inference to applied problems; - areas where application-specific approaches point the way forward to new theoretical developments; - the identification of methodological gaps. This workshop will be organised under the EPSRC-funded SuSTaIn programme (http://www.sustain.bris.ac.uk/), which aims to conduct and disseminate internationally-leading research in mathematical statistics, equipping the discipline to face the challenges of future applications. Topics of interest General modelling approaches will be discussed in order to inform other researchers about the state of rigorous inference. Additionally, we hope the involvement of applications-oriented researchers will point the way forward to improvements in practical theory. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Methodology - mathematical modelling; - statistical properties of networks; - inference of network structure; - computational methods; Applications - social dynamics; - economics and games on networks; - disease transmission and epidemiology; - biological networks from cells to ecologies; - transport, communication and power networks. Note that open problems are welcome, as is published work that would be of relevance to a wider inter-disciplinary audience. Invited speakers David Barber (UCL) Sanjeev Goyal (Cambridge) Eric Kolaczyk (Boston) Sean Meyn (Illinois) Brendan Murphy (University College Dublin) Stephane Robin (AgroParisTech) Michael Stumpf (Imperial) Stanley Wasserman (Indiana) Geoffrey West (Santa Fe) Eddie Wilson (Bristol) How to contribute Workshop attendees may contribute a talk, a poster, or both, that they feel will contribute towards the aims of the workshop (note that descriptions of open problems are welcome). Abstracts must be submitted for both talks and posters; of approximately one page for a talk, and one paragraph for a poster. Non-contributing attendees are also welcome, although places may be limited. All applications for attending the workshop and contributing a talk or a poster must be made via the web form that is linked to at http://www.sustain.bris.ac.uk/ws-statworks/participation.html. The deadline for applications is 15th March 2010. Note that places at the workshop are limited; we will reply to you by 16th April 2010 to tell you if we are able to accept you at the workshop. Logistics There is no registration fee. Lunches, tea and coffee are provided to participants, but you have to fund your own accommodation and travel, and make a contribution towards the cost of the conference dinner if you wish to attend that. Information on accommodation near the workshop venue can be found at http://www.sustain.bris.ac.uk/ws-statworks/accommodation.html. Note that cheap accommodation will be available in Goldney Hall itself - details for booking a room at Goldney are also available on the website. Assistance for junior researchers We will have some limited funds to provide free accommodation and possibly also partial support of expenses for junior researchers (graduate students, and researchers within 3 years of receiving their Ph.D. degree). To apply for this support, write as above by the stated date, and enclose also a CV and statement of support from your supervisor or a senior colleague. Workshop website http://www.sustain.bris.ac.uk/ws-statworks/ You may leave the list at any time by sending the command SIGNOFF allstat to [log in to unmask], leaving the subject line blank.