Prof. Dr. Felix Naumann

For our first meeting in this semester, we will discuss organisational issues.

• Introduction of new members 
• Travel and travel funding
• Semester curriculum, including assignments for the remaining open slots 
• Research skills curriculum 
• PhD regulations at DEF
• Open questions 

Venue: L.E-03

Paraskevi Machaira

Title: REX: A Realistic Time-Dependent Model for Multimodal Public Transport

Abstract: We present the non-FIFO time-dependent graph model with REalistic vehicle eXchange times (REX) for schedule-based multimodal public transport, along with a novel query algorithm called TRIP-based LAbel-correction propagation (TRIPLA) algorithm that efficiently solves the realistic earliest-arrival routing problem. The REX model possesses all the strong features of previous time-dependent graph models without suffering from their deficiencies. It handles non-negligible exchanges from one vehicle to another, as well as supports non-FIFO instances which are typical in public transport, without compromising space efficiency. We conduct a thorough experimental evaluation with real-world data which demonstrates that TRIPLA significantly outperforms all state-of-the-art query algorithms for multimodal earliest-arrival routing in schedule-based public transport.

Juliana Schneider

Title: Hypothesis tests for image embeddings in n-of-1 trials.

Abstract: N-of-1 trials are multi-crossover clinical trials in individual persons, where a trial participant alternates between receiving a treatment or intervention and none / an alternative / placebo. We develop a combined modelling and testing approach to enable the use of multimodal outcome data in n-of-1 trials. We present a use case for images as outcome in a trial on acne crème for skin care. Embeddings are created by a Variational Autoencoder, then reduced to one-dimensional values by Principal Componant Analysis. Statistical tests on these resulting univariate data are compared in a first attempt to estimate the individual treatment effect. We outline ideas on how to incorporate time dependencies, carryover in effects and confounding in subsequent tests.

Venue: F.E-06

Eshant English

Title: Ferumal Flow: A Kernelised Normalising Flow

Abstract: Normalising Flows are generative models with invertible architecture. The invertibility in flows constrains expressiveness requiring a large number of parameters and innovative architectural design to produce good results. Most works on flows use neural network-based transformations, and the use of other transformations is rather understudied. We developed a novel flow architecture, Ferumal Flow, integrating Kernels into Normalising Flows. We show kernel-based flows can provide competitive or better results than neural net-based flows whilst being parameter efficient. We also demonstrate that our method works significantly better in low data regimes, where neural net-based architectures struggle to produce good results.

Venue: F.E-06

Prof Dr. Tilmann Rabl 

Prof Dr. Holger Karl

Title: Good Scientific Practice

Abstract: Good Scientific Practice is the necessary basis for the research community. In this talk, we will discuss major aspects of research integrity for PhD students. We will look at common pitfalls for young researchers and solution strategies. We will link this to the DFG Codex, which is basis for regulations regarding good scientific practice at all research institutions receiving DFG funding in Germany.

Venue: L.E-03

Prof Dr. Patrick Baudisch

Title: How to get into a faculty position before/after your PhD

Abstract: So when you get a Turing award, what will it have been for?” You have never  been asked this question? Well, you might be soon—and you better have a good answer, too. Because this is a question some schools ask as part of their job interviews for faculty positions. 

So, if you should consider staying in research past your PhD, You might want to learn more about how to score a position. There is lots to teach and learn. In this first of the talks, I will focus on the actual interview. 

Venue: F.E-06

Alejandro Sierra

Title: Efficient Ultrafine Typing of Named Entities

Abstract: Ultrafine named entity typing (UFET) refers to the assignment of predefined labels to entity mentions in a given context. In contrast to traditional named entity typing, the number of potential labels is in the thousands and one mention can have more than one assigned type.Previous approaches either depend on large training datasets, or require inefficient encoding of all input-type combinations. Therefore, there is a need for investigating the efficiency during training and prediction of entity typing models in the ultrafine-grained setting, considering its distinctively bigger search space, compared to the coarse- and fine-grained tasks.
To efficiently solve UFET, we propose Decent, a lightweight model that encodes, using a pretrained language model, the input sentences separately from the type labels. Additionally, we make use of negative oversampling to speed up the training while improving the generalization of unseen types. Using an openly available UFET dataset, we evaluated the classification and runtime performance of Decent and observed that training and prediction runtime is orders of magnitude faster than the current state-of-the-art approaches, while maintaining a competitive classification performance.

Venue: F.E-06

Abstract: To follow

Venue: F.E-06

Prof Dr. Felix Naumann

Title: Writing and receiving scientific reviews

Abstract: Scientific reviews are among the most important instruments to advance science. They serve to check and validate scientific results before publication and they serve to give important feedback to authors to improve their work. In this talk, we will explore best practices for writing and receiving scientific reviews in computer science, including strategies for providing feedback that is both helpful and actionable. We will also discuss the importance of maintaining a culture of helpfulness and respect within the scientific community. Receiving negative reviews can be a frustrating experience, but it is important to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to learn from constructive criticism, while keeping in mind that not all reviewers' feedback may be relevant or helpful.

Attendees are welcome to send in sentences from reviews they received that were particularly frustrating or particularly helpful (max one sentence for each category). I will try to include and discuss these examples: felix.naumann(at)hpi.de, deadline June 12.

Venue: L.E-03

Abstract: To follow

Venue: F.E-06

Abstract: To follow

Venue: F.E-06

Abstract: To follow

Venue: F.E-06

Prof Dr. Bert Anrich

Abstract: To follow

Venue: L.E-03

Abstract: To follow

Venue: F.E-06

Tahir Miriyev

Abstract: To follow

Venue: F.E-06