Short Course: Applications of Bayesian Networks in Environmental Sciences
Information
LINK: 日本語
Date
Thursday, October 23 – Sunday, October 26, 2025
Venue
TOKYO ELECTRON House of Creativity 3F, Lecture Theater, Katahira Campus, Tohoku University [Access]
Lecturers
Lectures 1–10: Dr. Riikka Puntila–Dodd (Finnish Environment Institute and Åbo Akademi)
Pre–lecture: Prof. Timo Huttula (TH Environmental Consulting and Finnish Environment Institute)
Lecture language
Lectures are given in English, but you are welcome to ask questions in Japanese.
Course contents
This course starts with an introduction to Bayesian networks, which is a particularly important technique in environmental sciences. Then, the lecture goes into model structure theories and the role of cognitive bias issues, as well as describing how Bayesian networks can be useful in interdisciplinary environmental sciences. Conceptual model planning exercise and case studies of Bayesian network models are also planned in the latter part of the course.
Pre–requisite
This course assumes knowledge level of undergraduate first and second–year students in calculus and linear algebra, whereas no prior knowledge of Bayesian networks is assumed.
Registration Fee
Free
Registration
Registration deadline: Friday, October 17, 2025, 16:00 (JST)
Registration Form
Course schedule
- Thursday, October 23, 2025
- 16:00 – 16:15
- Registration
- 16:15 – 16:30
- Opening
- 16:30 – 17:30
- Pre–lecture
- Challenges and experiences in aquatic modeling in Finland.
- Friday, October 24, 2025
- 10:00 – 10:30
- Registration
- 10:30 – 11:30
- Lecture 1
- Introduction to Bayesian Networks in Environmental Sciences.
- 13:00 – 14:00
- Lecture 2
- Bayesian theory, probability, model structure theory.
- 14:15 – 15:15
- Lecture 3
- How to define the variables and model structure?
- 15:30 – 16:30
- Lecture 4
- Where do the numbers come from? (incl. paper discussions).
- 16:30 – 17:30
- Free discussion
- 18:00 – 19:30
- Banquet
- Saturday, October 25, 2025
- 10:00 – 11:30
- Lecture 5
- The role of cognitive biases (discussion).
- 13:00 – 14:00
- Lecture 6
- A very brief introduction to Hugin software (together).
- 14:15 – 15:15
- Lecture 7
- How can Bayesian networks be useful in interdisciplinary environmental science?
- 15:30 – 16:30
- Lecture 8
- Plan your own model! (conceptual exercise).
- 16:30 – 17:30
- Free discussion
- Sunday, October 26, 2025
- 9:30 – 10:30
- Lecture 9
- Brief presentations of the participants’ models.
- 10:45 – 11:45
- Lecture 10
- Examples of my models (brief presentation and paper discussions).
- 11:45 – 12:00
- Closing
Course materials
will be distributed before the course
Poster
- Download [PDF]
Organizers
- Hiroshi Suito (Tohoku University)
- Timo Huttula (TH Environmental Consulting and Finnish Environment Institute)
- Hiroyuki Higuchi (Fujitsu Ltd./Tohoku University)
Co–hosted by
- Fujitsu × Tohoku University Discovery Intelligence Laboratory
- Mathematical Science Center for Co–creative Society, Tohoku University
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology
Nominal support
Contact
ucw_bne_organizers*grp.tohoku.ac.jp (change * to @)