Statistical Methods for Cosmology
As datasets in cosmology get larger and more precise, more detailed scientific questions can be addressed. For example, detailed study of the microwave background radiation may be able to determine cosmological parameters (such as the density of the Universe) to a precision of a percent or two, well beyond what was imaginable even a decade ago. Similar precision cosmology is possible with large, dedicated weak gravitational lensing and galaxy redshift surveys.
Needless to say, these surveys constitute an enormous observational investment. What is less clear is that the analysis of such large datasets is by no means trivial, and to achieve the scientific goals requires development of more sophisticated tools than have been in general use.
Edinburgh participants: Alan Heavens, Andy Taylor, Raul Jimenez, Will Percival, Sujata Gupta, John Peacock
Collaborators: Ofer Lahav, Christian Reichardt, Licia Verde, Sabino Matarrese, Max Tegmark
Planck CMB satellite (2007)