1. Machine Learning with Functional Data: From Statistical Methods to Deep Architectures

Lecturer: Alberto Suárez González (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid)
Duration: 4 hours

Description:
This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning methods for functional data. Participants will learn how to represent, preprocess, and analyze functional data for clustering, regression, and classification. The session also introduces deep learning architectures tailored for functional inputs. Hands-on exercises using the Python library scikit-fda will allow participants to explore these techniques with real-world examples.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to functional data and their representations

Preprocessing: smoothing, centering, scaling, dimensionality reduction

Statistical and machine learning methods: clustering, regression, classification

Deep learning architectures for functional inputs

References:

Ramos-Carreño, C., et al. (2024). scikit-fda: A Python Package for Functional Data AnalysisJournal of Statistical Software, 109(2).

Ramsay, J. O., & Silverman, B. W. (2005). Functional Data Analysis, 2nd ed. Springer.

Ferraty, F., & Vieu, P. (2006). Nonparametric Functional Data Analysis. Springer.

Hsing, T., & Eubank, R. (2015). Theoretical Foundations of Functional Data Analysis. Wiley.

2. Hidden but Powerful: Practical Insights into Latent Markov Models to Discover Dynamics in Longitudinal Data

Lecturer: Fulvia Pennoni (University of Milano-Bicocca)
Duration: 4 hours

Description:
This tutorial introduces Markov and hidden Markov models for analyzing longitudinal data. Participants will gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills for applying these models using the LMest package in R. Hands-on exercises with R and RMarkdown will enable participants to implement and interpret these models on real datasets.

Topics Covered:

Latent variable models and discrete latent variables

Markov and hidden Markov model formulations

Applications including covariates, missing data, and complex structures

Case studies and practical examples

References:

Bartolucci, F., Farcomeni, A., & Pennoni, F. (2023). Latent Markov Models for Longitudinal Data. Routledge.