Nonparametric Bayesian inference of discretely observed diffusions

Abstract: We consider the problem of the Bayesian inference of drift and diffusion coefficient functions in a stochastic differential equation given discrete observations of a realisation of its solution. We give conditions for the well-posedness and stable approximations of the posterior measure. These conditions in particular allow for priors with unbounded support. Our proof relies on the explicit construction of transition probability densities using the parametrix method for general parabolic equations. We then study an application of these results in inferring the rates of Birth-and-Death processes.