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$\\sigma$Transfer enables efficient uncertainty transfer from small to large neural networks

Researchers have developed a method called $\sigma$Transfer that allows for the efficient transfer of predictive uncertainty information from smaller neural networks to significantly larger ones. This technique leverages the Maximal Update Parametrization ($\mu ext{P}$) to ensure the stability of prior precision as model width increases, eliminating the need for expensive posterior sweeps on large models. $\sigma$Transfer has demonstrated substantial speedups, reaching up to 5000x in some cases, while maintaining minimal degradation in target-NLL, and can also be used to transfer decisions related to out-of-distribution detection and abstention. AI

IMPACT This method could significantly speed up uncertainty estimation in large-scale neural networks, improving reliability in applications like OOD detection and decision-making.

RANK_REASON This is a research paper detailing a new method for neural network uncertainty transfer. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=1.0]

Read on arXiv cs.LG →

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$\\sigma$Transfer enables efficient uncertainty transfer from small to large neural networks

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This is a research paper detailing a new method for neural network uncertainty transfer. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=1.0]
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. arXiv cs.LG TIER_1 English(EN) · Richard Bergna (University of Cambridge, Spotify), Fernando Ruiz Mazo (University of Cambridge), Nicol\`o Felicioni (Spotify), Jos\'e Miguel Hern\'andez-Lobato (University of Cambridge), Kamil Ciosek (Spotify) ·

    $\sigma$Transfer: Uncertainty Transfer from Small to Large Networks under $\mu\mathrm{P}$

    arXiv:2610.11668v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Reliable predictive uncertainty in Laplace approximations depends critically on the prior precision, yet selecting it requires a posterior sweep that is prohibitively expensive for neural networks with billions of parameters. Unde…