Time

Description

9:30 - 10:30

Track 1 Testing (Part 1) - Lucia Windsor Dominic Orchard, ICCS Isaac Akanho, ICCS Many of us will have had the experience of bugs in our code, that is, mistakes that impact the intended function and functioning of our software. Such mistakes slow down development, impinge on collaboration, reduce the likelihood of our code being used by others, and in the scientific context, can lead to serious mistakes in publications. Approaches to software verification are therefore useful to help reduce the occurrence of bugs and assess whether code implements its intended specification / model. One well-established lightweight technique for evaluating software correctness is testing, where additional code is written that provides a partial specification of program behaviour. In this course, we will study the foundations of software testing, including the use of tools to automate the deployment of tests. We will specifically look at the mechanics of, and best practices for, three kinds of tests: unit tests, integration tests, and property-based tests. The first two are more widely deployed already in science whereas the third technique (property-based testing) is still an underutilised, but powerful, tool. Python will be used for running examples and exercises but the concepts can be applied in almost any programming language. We will point to resources for a few other languages popular in science such as Fortran. Pre-requisites: The concepts discussed in this course can be applied to almost any programming language, however we will use Python as a vehicle for specific examples and exercises. Therefore having at least a basic knowledge of Python will be useful as well as a working Python 3 installation on your system.

9:30 - 10:30

Track 2 Practical Machine Learning with PyTorch (Part 3) - Sidgwick Hall Matt Archer, ICCS Isaac Akanho, ICCS Following on from Parts 1 and 2

10:30 - 11:00

Break (tea and coffee)

11:00 - 12:30

Track 1 FTorch: Coupling ML and Numerical Models in Fortran - Lucia Windsor Jack Atkinson, ICCS Joe Wallwork, ICCS Many projects seek to leverage machine learnt components as part of larger models. This often brings about the challenge of language interoperation - how can we run our ML models, often PyTorch-based, from within large-scale climate models written in compiled languages. ICCS develops and maintains the FTorch library (https://github.com/Cambridge-ICCS/FTorch) to facilitate the easy deployment of PyTorch-based models within Fortran codes. In this session we will introduce the library and follow a hands-on tutorial introducing key features, and going through how to save a net from Python and run it as part of a Fortran code. If time allows we will showcase recent features around autograd and online training. Pre-requisites: - A GitHub account. - Some previous experience with PyTorch and machine learning is useful but not essential. - Previous exposure to Fortran or a similar compiled language is useful but not essential.

11:00 - 12:30

Track 2 Testing (Part 2) - Sidgwick Hall Dominic Orchard, ICCS Isaac Akanho, ICCS Following on from Part 1

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch (Newnham College Garden Marquee)

13:30 - 15:00

Random Forests & Other Random Thoughts - Lucia Windsor Robert Rouse, ICCS Decision trees, random forests, and related models are commonly used machine learning models due to their relative ease of implementation and training, however they are similarly often misused.  The key learning objective here is to understand the fundamentals of random forests and related tree models from first principles, their strengths and weaknesses, and methods for understanding their sensitivity.  In the first half of the session, we will look at decision trees, random forests, and related models along with their formulation, training, and interpretability.  This will also cover topics including, but not necessarily limited to, feature permutation, platt scaling, and class imbalance.  In the second half, we will look at the practical application of random forests along with other models, including model implementation, model appropriateness, and application to real world datasets. Pre-requisites: First session: Undergraduate level knowledge of linear algebra and calculus. Have a working Python 3 installation on their system. Download and install the scikit-learn library Second session: First session strict prerequisite. Practical Machine Learning with PyTorch session

15:00 - 15:30

Break (tea and coffee)

15:30 - 16:00

Hackathon Administration - Lucia Windsor

16:00 - 17:00

Panel - Lucia Windsor Working with RSEs and Project Management for Research Software Ilektra Christidi, University College London Omar Jamil, ICCS David Orme, Imperial College London Marion Weinzierl, ICCS As research continues to be increasingly computational, the role of Research Software Engineers (RSEs) has become vital to the sustainability and reproducibility of models and scientific outputs. This panel brings together experienced RSEs and those working closely with RSEs to explore the evolving dynamics of collaboration in research software development. Key discussion points will include: * Experiences in Managing RSE Projects: Panelists will share real-world insights into managing research software projects, including integrating RSEs into academic environments. * Bridging the Gap Between RSEs and Academics: What are the barriers that hinder effective collaboration? Panelists will discuss real-world examples and strategies to improve communication between RSEs and researchers for better outputs. * Training and the Future of RSEs: Should we aim to embed RSE skills into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, potentially reducing the need for dedicated RSEs? Or is the specialisation and expertise of RSEs irreplaceable?

17:00 - 18:30

Free time

18:30 - 22:15

Pre-dinner drinks reception and formal dinner at Sidney Sussex College