Speaker: Krishna Balasubramanian (University of California – Davis)Title: Finite-Particle Convergence Rates for Stein Variational Gradient DescentAbstract: Stein Variational Gradient Descent (SVGD) is a deterministic, interacting particle-based algorithm for nonparametric variational inference, yet its theoretical properties remain challenging to fully understand. This talk presents two complementary perspectives on SVGD. First, we introduce Gaussian-SVGD, a framework that projects SVGD onto the family of Gaussian distributions using a bilinear kernel. We establish rigorous convergence results for both mean-field dynamics and finite-particle systems, proving linear convergence to equilibrium in strongly log-concave settings. This framework also unifies recent algorithms for Gaussian Variational Inference (GVI) under a single theoretical lens. Second, we examine the finiteparticle convergence rates of nonparametric SVGD in Kernelized Stein Discrepancy (KSD) and Wasserstein-2 metrics. By decomposing the time derivative of relative entropy, we derive near-optimal convergence rates with polynomial dependence on dimensionality for certain kernel families. We also outline a framework to compare deterministic SVGD algorithms to the more standard randomized MCMC algorithms.Biography: Dr. Krishnakumar Balasubramanian works at the interface of statistics, optimization and machine learning with a focus on addressing inferential and computational aspects. He received his Ph.D from Georgia Tech. After appointments in Princeton University and and UW-Madison, he joined the Department of Statistics, UC Davis in Fall 2018. He has received a Facebook fellowship award and an ICML best paper runner-up award.

Time: 11:00 AMLocation: Boston, MA / The TRACK at New Balance

As part of the exhibition Afrofuturism and Otherworldliness, join us for a screening of the Afrofuturistic sci-fi film Space is the Place, directed by John Coney and featuring Sun Ra and his Arkestra. The film follows Sun Ra as he travels through time and space, seeking to transport Black people to a new utopian planet where they can thrive free from oppression. Blending surreal visuals, philosophical musings, and Sun Ra's signature music, this avant-garde masterpiece is part cosmic odyssey, part social commentary, and wholly unique. It's a kaleidoscopic exploration of liberation, identity, and the boundless power of imagination. Light snacks and popcorn will be provided.This event is presented as part of Artfinity: A celebration of creativity and community at MIT.

A 50 minute, (usually) student-led tour of MIT D-Lab, D-Lab prototypes, and our workshop! Hear about the 23-year history of D-Lab, our founding director Amy Smith, our 12+ MIT classes, research groups, humanitarian innovation program and more! Not free at tour time? Stop by anytime to look around or email d-lab-tours@mit.edu.

Want to get exercise mid-day but don’t want to go outside? Join the tunnel walk for a 30-minute walk led by a volunteer through MIT’s famous tunnel system. This walk may include stairs/inclines. Wear comfortable shoes. Free.Location details: Meet in the lobby under the “Belonging + Community” banner. Location photo below.Tunnel Walk Leaders will have a white flag they will raise at the meeting spot for you to find them.Prize Drawing: Attend a walk and scan a QR code from the walk leaders to be entered into a drawing for a getfit tote bag at the end of the getfit challenge. The more walks you attend, the more entries you get. Winner will be drawn and notified at the end of April. Winner does not need to be a getfit participant.Disclaimer: Tunnel walks are led by volunteers. In the rare occasion when a volunteer isn’t able to make it, we will do our best to notify participants. In the event we are unable to notify participants and a walk leader does not show up, we encourage you to walk as much as you feel comfortable doing so. We recommend you check this calendar just before you head out! [As of Feb 26, this calendar is defaulting to the year 1899. Click "today" to be brought to the current month.]Getfit is a 12-week fitness challenge for the entire MIT community. These tunnel walks are open to the entire MIT community and you do not need to be a current getfit participant to join.

Join us for the next Crafternoon event, where you’ll be making decorative tile coasters with a personal touch! Feel free to bring printouts of your favorite photos or patterns (ideally 3.9 x 3.9 inches).Please register here.This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow MS&PC spouses and partners, and children are welcome too. All supplies will be provided, sponsored by MS&PC.If you have any questions, please reach out to Miyuki Ota at miyukichan8@hotmail.com.