Risk-Averse Certification of Bayesian Neural Networks

Xiyue Zhang*, Zifan Wang, Yulong Gao, Licio Romao, Alessandro Abate, Marta Kwiatkowska

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference Paper

Abstract

In light of the inherently complex and dynamic nature of real-world environments, incorporating risk measures is crucial for the robustness evaluation of deep learning models. In this work, we propose a Risk-Averse Certification framework for Bayesian neural networks called RAC-BNN. Our method leverages sampling and optimisation to compute a probabilistically sound approximation of the output set of a BNN, represented using a set of template polytopes. To enhance risk-aware robustness evaluation, we integrate a coherent distortion risk measure—Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR)—into the certification framework, providing probabilistic guarantees based on empirical distributions obtained through sampling. We validate RAC-BNN on a range of regression and classification benchmarks and compare its performance with a state-of-the-art method. The results show that RAC-BNN effectively quantifies robustness under worst-performing risky scenarios, and achieves tighter certified bounds and higher efficiency in complex tasks.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 8 Oct 2025
Event The 11th International Symposium on Dependable Software Engineering Theories, Tools and Applications - St Catherine's College , Oxford, United Kingdom
Duration: 1 Dec 20253 Dec 2025
https://www.setta2025.uk/home

Conference

Conference The 11th International Symposium on Dependable Software Engineering Theories, Tools and Applications
Abbreviated titleSETTA 2025
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityOxford
Period1/12/253/12/25
Internet address

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