# A theoretical framework for calibration in computer models: parametrization, estimation and convergence properties

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1508.07155 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1508.07155/

## Key facts

- Cited by 12 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 28 Aug 2015.

## Built on by (most cited first, 12 of 12)

- [Data Fusion with Latent Map Gaussian Processes](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2112.02206/) (2021)
- [Kernel Packet: An Exact and Scalable Algorithm for Gaussian Process Regression with Mat'ern Correlations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.03116/) (2022)
- [Random Smoothing Regularization in Kernel Gradient Descent Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.03531/) (2023)
- [No-Regret Reinforcement Learning in Smooth MDPs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.03792/) (2024)
- [How DNNs break the Curse of Dimensionality: Compositionality and Symmetry Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.05664/) (2024)
- [Calibrating Over-Parametrized Simulation Models: A Framework via Eligibility Set](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2105.12893/) (2021)
- [Rational Kriging](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.05372/) (2023)
- [Digital Twin Calibration for Biological System-of-Systems: Cell Culture Manufacturing Process](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.03913/) (2024)
- [Sampling Complexity of TD and PPO in RKHS](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.24991/) (2025)
- [High-Dimensional Simulation Optimization via Brownian Fields and Sparse Grids](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.08595/) (2021)
- [Epidemiological Model Calibration via Graybox Bayesian Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.07193/) (2024)
- [A Bayesian latent Gaussian process framework for aerodynamic uncertainty quantification](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.28871/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Calibration parameters in deterministic computer experiments are those attributes that cannot be measured or available in physical experiments. Kennedy and O'Hagan citekennedy2001bayesian suggested an approach to estimate them by using data from physical experiments and computer simulations. A theoretical framework is given which allows us to study the issues of parameter identifiability and estimation. We define the L2-consistency for calibration as a justification for calibration methods. It is shown that a simplified version of the original KO method leads to asymptotically L2-inconsistent calibration. This L2-inconsistency can be remedied by modifying the original estimation procedure. A novel calibration method, called the L2 calibration, is proposed and proven to be L2-consistent and enjoys optimal convergence rate. A numerical example and some mathematical analysis are used to illustrate the source of the L2-inconsistency problem.
