In conversation with our young researchers: Dr Chiara Amorino

10 September 2021

Why do we need stochastic differential equations? Where are they used?

Dr Chiara Amorino is a PostDoc researcher in the Probability and Statistics group at the University of Luxembourg. The mathematician specialises in stochastic differential equations with jumps.

Stochastic differential equations to model various phenomena

Chiara Amorino mainly focuses on stochastic differential equations with jumps. In simple terms, it is a differential equation with a solution which is influenced by boundary and initial conditions, but not predetermined by them. In other words, whenever the equation is solved under identical initial and boundary conditions, the solution takes on different numerical values although, of course, a definite pattern emerges as the solution process is repeatedly performed.

Stochastic differential equations find applications in many disciplines including economics and finance, physics, population dynamics, biology and medicine. The Italian researcher uses this powerful tool to model multiple stochastic phenomena in physics, biology and medical, social and economic science.

Chiara Amorino is also involved in projects dealing with Stein’s method, Malliavin calculus and Hawkes processes.

Finding a true vocation in research

A graduate of the Università degli studi di Milano in mathematics, Chiara developed an interest in probability and statistics when she was a master’s student. In October 2017, she conducted a PhD in “Université d’Evry Val d’Essonne” under the supervision of prof. Arnaud Gloter before defending her thesis three years later.

“Research is for me a true vocation […] The best part about research is that it takes more time than you expected but in the end you always win. ”

Chiara Amorino

To the mathematician, research is similar to a board game. “At the beginning you need to read the rules and to focus a bit to understand how to play. You really need to take this part to play and have fun. At the beginning of every project you need to review the literature, to understand what it is possible to prove and what has already been proven. After that, you can start playing by making hypotheses and writing your results.”

Why Luxembourg as a research destination?

While attending a conference, Chiara Amorino met Professor Mark Podolskij, who was then living in Denmark. “I wrote to him to see if there was the possibility to apply for a post-doc in his group. He answered to me that there was such a possibility in Luxembourg, as he was changing his affiliation.” That is how Chiara moved to Luxembourg.

According to the Italian scientist, the Luxembourg research environment supports interdisciplinarity and collaboration: “it is possible to meet researchers from different disciplines, discuss with them and somehow start collaborating. Moreover, it offers the opportunity to travel and attend conferences abroad, having in this way the possibility to promote our work and, in the meantime, get in touch with other researchers.”

Collaborating with ERC grantee Prof. Mark Podolskij

Chiara Amorino’s research project is part of the ERC grant “Statistical Methods for High Dimensional Diffusions (STAMFORD)”, awarded to Prof. Mark Podolskij.

The STAMFORD project aims at providing a concise statistical theory for estimation of high dimensional diffusions. The methodological part of the project will require the development of novel advanced techniques in mathematical statistics and probability theory. In particular, new results will be needed in parametric and non-parametric statistics, and high dimensional probability, that are reaching far beyond what is state-of-the-art today. Hence, a successful outcome of STAMFORD will not only have a tremendous impact on statistical inference for continuous-time models in natural and applied sciences, but will also strongly influence the field of high dimensional statistics and probability.

About living in Luxembourg

Relocating to Luxembourg was an easy move to Chiara Amorino as the University of Luxembourg supported her in dealing with the administrative process.

In addition, the international dimension of the country contributed to the successful integration of the scientist. “Luxembourg is a very attractive country and so people from all around the world move here.”

Find out more about Chiara Amorino and her projects.

Meet our young researchers