Yale Astro x Data Science

The Yale Data Science x Astronomy-Astrophysics Seminar Series

© 2026 Yasmeen Asali, All rights reserved

Seminar Overview

The Yale Data Science X Astronomy & Astrophysics Seminar is a methodical seminar focused on the intersection between data-science & astronomy-astrophysics. The seminar is aimed at discussing data-science techniques/methods that are being developed/employed to deal with ever-increasing data volumes in astronomy & also allowing for the exchange of ideas between the different topical silos in astronomy-astrophysics.

The seminar meets every 2 weeks during the fall and spring semesters. During each session, there is a long-format presentation of ~45 minutes. This presentation can be on an extended discussion of a paper, a demonstration of a method/software/technique, or a talk by a visiting speaker. Besides this, members of the seminar may also use benty-fields (look for “Yale Astro. Data Science”) to sign up for short (~10-15 minute) presentations of papers.

Attendees are also welcome to discuss data-science-related challenges that they are facing in their work and want input from other attendees. This will be done in the latter half of each seminar besides the benty-fields discussion whenever scheduled. If you are interested in this, just give a heads-up to the specific day’s discussion leader.

The organizers of the seminar solicit interest in giving long-form presentations at the beginning of every term. Based on the number of requests received and slots available, a tentative schedule is drawn up for each term. We are also happy to host speakers from outside Yale who want to give a presentation! If you are presenting at our seminar, please see the Speaker Guide for practical information.

This seminar aims to be a welcoming place for all our attendees. Attendees are always expected to be respectful towards each other and follow the instructions of the discussion leader.

Discussion Guidelines

This seminar aims to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all attendees. We ask that everyone be respectful towards one another and adhere to the guidelines set by the discussion leader. To ensure productive and constructive discussions, we’ve outlined the following guidelines:

  1. Center respect and inclusivity: Approach every discussion with respect for diverse perspectives and experiences. Be mindful that each attendee brings unique insights to the conversation.
  2. Be mindful of different experience levels: Attendees come with varied levels of experience and expertise in astronomy topics and data science methods, so please be considerate of this diversity.
  3. Focus on ideas, not individuals: Critique techniques, methods, and results, not the authors themselves.
  4. Consider the venue and audience: Ongoing or in-depth conversations may be better continued outside or after the seminar, depending on the context.
  5. Respect comfort levels: Participation in selecting a paper does not imply comfort with presenting it. No one should feel pressured to present if they’re not comfortable.
  6. Engage actively: Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the discussion at least once during each meeting to foster a lively and inclusive dialogue.

Guidelines for Virtual Engagement

Our goal for this seminar series is to highlight data science techniques and foster discussion between participants about their applicability to astronomy and astrophysics. In order to achieve an active and engaged atmosphere in our meetings, we provide these guidelines for virtual engagement during online/hybrid meetings:

  1. Act as you would in person: don’t do other work or multi-task by minimizing distractions
  2. Leave your camera on
  3. Attend the whole discussion (avoid arriving very late or leaving early)
  4. Unmute or use chat to engage with both the speakers and other participants: everyone should try to contribute to the discussion at every meeting

We understand that a number of hindrances can affect virtual participation (internet connection may prohibit sharing video, your environment may be noisy, other meetings may run over, unexpected distractions may arise), so these guidelines are recommendations, not requirements.

To add something/someone to the schedule/propose a workshop/anything else, please send an email to any of the current organizers.

For general questions or for mistakes/changes on the website, send an email to Barry T. Chiang.