Multimessenger Astronomy in the Era of Foundational AI

Workshop • Aug 4 – 5 | 17th & Horton, 1400 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN

Hosted by the Data Science Institute and Department of Physics & Astronomy at Vanderbilt University

Two immersive days exploring how large foundation models, transformers, diffusion models, self-supervised learners can accelerate astronomical discovery. Experts from gravitational-wave astronomy, multimessenger astronomy, and AI will share insights through talks and panel discussions.

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Hackathon Student Coding

Motivation

Multimessenger astronomy is entering a transformative era. As next-generation observatories deliver an unprecedented volume and diversity of data—across gravitational waves, electromagnetic signals, and neutrinos—the complexity of extracting meaningful insights increasingly exceeds the capacity of traditional analysis pipelines. At the same time, foundational AI models—large pre-trained networks such as transformers and diffusion models—are reshaping the landscape of scientific discovery, from natural language processing to molecular design. This two-day workshop brings these revolutions together. We will convene researchers from gravitational-wave physics, broader observational astronomy, and artificial intelligence to explore how cutting-edge machine learning can accelerate real-time detection, multimodal data integration, source classification, and astrophysical inference.

Through keynote talks and interactive panel discussions, participants will:

  • Survey the current frontier of AI-driven multimessenger astronomy—what tools are proving effective, and where the next breakthroughs may arise.
  • Build collaborative bridges across observatories, academic institutions, and industry research groups to foster robust, open-source development.
  • Chart a roadmap toward interpretable, scalable AI systems that can adapt to rapidly evolving data streams and scientific goals.
 Join us in Nashville, August 4–5, 2025, to shape the future of multimessenger astronomy in the era of foundational AI—and to help lay the groundwork for a new generation of discovery.
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Confirmed Speakers

  • Abigail Petulante, Vanderbilt University
  • Adam Miller, Northwestern University
  • Chayan Chatterjee, Vanderbilt University
  • Daniel Moyer, Vanderbilt University
  • Deep Chatterjee, MIT
  • Digvijay Wadekar, Johns Hopkins University
  • Gioia Rau, Schmidt Sciences, NSF
  • Ignacio Magana Hernandez, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Javier Roulet, Caltech
  • Jeff Shen, Princeton University
  • Jesse Spencer-Smith, Vanderbilt University
  • Karan Jani, Vanderbilt University
  • Keivan Stassun, Vanderbilt University
  • Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Dean of College of Connected Computing, Vanderbilt University
  • Michele Vallisneri, ETH Zurich
  • Nima Laal, Vanderbilt University
  • Pete Worden, Breakthrough Prize Foundation
  • Stephen Taylor, Vanderbilt University
  • Todd J. Marlin, Guardrail Technologies

Agenda

Day 1 (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM CT)

Coffee + Registration (9:00 – 9:20 AM CT)


Session I (9:20 – 10:30 AM CT): Welcome & Overview Talks

  • Welcome address – Karan Jani & Jesse Spencer-Smith (9:20 – 9:30 AM CT)
  • Multimessenger Astronomy Overview – Karan Jani (9:30 – 9:50 AM CT)
  • GW Data-Analysis Overview – Steve Taylor (9:50 – 10:10 AM CT)
  • Foundational AI Overview – Jesse Spencer-Smith (10:10 – 10:30 AM CT)


Coffee Break (10:30 - 11:00 AM CT)


Session II (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT): Applications of Foundational AI in MMA


Lunch Break (12:00 – 2:00 PM CT)


Session III (2:00 – 2:40 PM CT): Astrophysical Inference Using AI – I


Coffee Break (2:40 - 3:00 PM CT)


Session IV (3:00 – 4:30 PM CT): Panel Discussion - Keivan Stassun (moderator), Gioia Rau, Pete Worden, Todd J. Marlin, Matthew Johnson-Roberson

Day 2 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT)

Coffee (9:00 – 9:30 AM CT)

Coffee Break (10:30 - 11:00 AM CT)

Session II (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT): AI tutorials by Abigail Petulante

Lunch (12:00 – 2:00 PM CT)


Session III (2:00 – 3:00 PM CT): Beyond Foundation Models: Looking Towards the Future

Coffee Break (3:00 - 3:30 PM CT)

Breakout Sessions (3:30 - 4:00 PM CT)

Session IV (4:00 – 5:00 PM CT): White Paper Drafting

Registration (Free)

  • Cost: There is no registration fee; participants cover travel and lodging.

  • Action button: Register now

  • Deadlines: Abstracts for contributed talks due July 4; general registration closes July 15.

Venue & Map

17th & Horton (1400 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212—a 5-minute drive or 30-minute scenic walk from the conference hotel.

Travel & Accommodation

Discounted conference hotel

Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt (Dwtn) by IHG – 2613 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

  • Block code: “VU Physics & Astronomy” (ask for “Gravitational Wave Astronomy” rate)

  • Dates & rate: Aug 3 – 5 • $109 + tax / night (35 rooms/night)

  • Self-parking $25 • Valet $35 • Free Wi-Fi • Shuttle 7 am–midnight • Pet-friendly • Outdoor pool • Every room has balcony, mini-fridge & microwave​​

  • Booking: Book Your Stay – guests book and pay individually.

Getting from BNA Airport

  • Uber/Lyft: ≈ 15 min, most convenient.

  • Public Transit: Take Bus 18 to Elizabeth Duff Transit Center, transfer to Bus 3, exit at West End Ave & 27th Ave S (≈ 1 hr total).

Visa Information

International attendees should apply for a B-1 (business visitor) or B-2 (tourist) visa. Check processing times with your local U.S. consulate and carry your invitation letter.

Organizing Committee

Things to Do in Nashville

Welcome to Music City! Nashville is bursting with live music, culture, and history:

Live Music & Entertainment:

  • Broadway Street: This is the heart of Nashville's honky-tonk scene, offering live music, bars, and restaurants.
  • Grand Ole Opry: A legendary country music venue with performances that span various genres.
  • Ryman Auditorium: Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," this historic venue hosts concerts and tours.
  • Ole Smoky Distillery “6th & Peabody”: Enjoy a tour and tasting of their famous moonshine.

Attractions & Museums:

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Explore the history of country music with exhibits and artifacts.
  • Frist Art Museum: Located in a historic building, the museum features a variety of art exhibitions.
  • Andrew Jackson's Hermitage: Visit the former estate of the seventh U.S. President.

Outdoor & Family Fun:

  • Bicentennial Mall State Park: A great place for a walk or picnic in the heart of the city.
  • Gaylord Opryland Resort: Offers indoor attractions like the Conservatory and the SoundWaves waterpark.
  • Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Experience the beauty of the gardens, especially during their "Cheekwood in Bloom" event.