Abstract: For a better understanding of the Earth system we need a stronger integration of observations and (mechanistic) models. Classical model-data integration approaches start with a model structure and try to estimate states or parameters via data assimilation and inverse modelling, respectively. Sometimes, several model structures are employed and evaluated, e.g. in Bayesian model averaging, but still parametric model structures are assumed. Recently, Reichstein et al. (2019) proposed a fusion of machine learning and mechanistic modelling approaches into so-called hybrid modelling. Ideally, this combines scientific consistency with the versatility of data driven approaches and is expected to allow for better predictions and better understanding of the system, e.g. by inferring unobserved variables. This talk will elaborate on developments of this concept and illustrate its promise but also challenges with examples on biosphere-atmosphere exchange, and carbon and water cycles from the ecosystem to the global scale.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Markus Reichstein  is Director of the Biogeochemical Integration Department at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry. His main research interests revolve around the response and feedback of ecosystems (vegetation and soils) to climatic variability with an Earth system perspective. Of specific interest is the interplay of climate extremes with ecosystem and societal resilience. He is addressing these topics with a combination of artificial intelligence and system modelling approaches to exploit the wealth of experimental, ground- and satellite-based Earth observations.

About AIDA: The four ICT-48 networks (AI4Media, ELISE, HumanE-AI NET, TAILOR) and the VISION project joined forces and, under the joint initiative of VISION and AI4Media, founded a new joint instrument to support a world-level AI education and research programme.

The International AI Doctoral Academy (AIDA) has been created for offering access to knowledge and expertise and attracting PhD talents in Europe. AIDA offers free, top-notch AI Excellence Lecture Series, featuring senior experts and promising juniors, encouraging active participation, and providing easy access through multiple channels

🔗 For more information: Artificial Intelligence Doctoral Academy – AI Excellence Lecture Series