CosmoSIS: modular cosmological parameter estimation

TL;DR

CosmoSIS introduces a modular framework for cosmological parameter estimation, enabling flexible, interchangeable analysis components to improve collaboration and manage complex models and uncertainties.

Contribution

It presents a new modular framework, CosmoSIS, that connects various inference tools and simplifies complex cosmological analyses.

Findings

Includes modules like CAMB, Planck, and cosmic shear calculations.

Provides demonstration code for out-of-the-box use.

Facilitates collaboration and development in cosmological inference.

Abstract

Cosmological parameter estimation is entering a new era. Large collaborations need to coordinate high-stakes analyses using multiple methods; furthermore such analyses have grown in complexity due to sophisticated models of cosmology and systematic uncertainties. In this paper we argue that modularity is the key to addressing these challenges: calculations should be broken up into interchangeable modular units with inputs and outputs clearly defined. We present a new framework for cosmological parameter estimation, CosmoSIS, designed to connect together, share, and advance development of inference tools across the community. We describe the modules already available in CosmoSIS, including CAMB, Planck, cosmic shear calculations, and a suite of samplers. We illustrate it using demonstration code that you can run out-of-the-box with the installer available at http://bitbucket.org/joezuntz/cosmosis