International Data Science Accelerator programme
We are in the process of migrating the International Data Science Accelerator programme pages to the main ONS website…link to…
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Posts by Data Science Campus
This site is no longer being updated
The Data Science Campus website is no longer being updated, you can find a version of the site at the…
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Estimating geographical retail markets from card spending data
Imagine your local groceries store had a small but notable price change. You probably would not consider switching to a…
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ScannerAI – Advancing Receipt Data Processing with AI
Introduction The Data Science Campus (DSC) are actively developing a tool, which aims to significantly improve the efficiency of processing…
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Core Themes
Data Science Campus work focuses on a number of core themes:
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BBC micro:bit playground survey results (Detailed statistical findings)
This page provides additional detail to our findings presented in our technical blog (advised to be read first) Here we…
Read more on BBC micro:bit playground survey results (Detailed statistical findings)Emerging Technologies
About Given the rapid advancements in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI), a key focus of the Data Science Campus…
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BBC micro:bit playground survey results
The BBC micro:bit playground survey was designed as an opportunity for primary school children aged 7 to 11, to learn about data and computer coding. Using
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Transport Performance: A reproducible and reusable toolkit for measuring transport network performances internationally
We have built a new, open-source toolkit for measuring the performance of urban centre transport networks
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Bus reliability – analysing the morning travel peak across England
We have explored the feasibility of using open data to analyse local transport performance. In this publication we demonstrate how to produce hyperlocal bus service coverage and punctuality metrics.
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ClassifAI – Exploring the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) to assign free text to commonly used classifications
We are developing a new tool, “ClassifAI”, which is an experimental text classification pipeline
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Ship Traffic in Critical Maritime Passages
Critical maritime passages are narrow passages of water that are important due to their role in international trade, maritime navigation, and geopolitics.
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Developing a Privacy Preserving Record Linkage toolkit
The ONS takes very seriously its responsibility to link datasets securely, ethically and robustly, and is taking a leading role in exploring how new technology can help us achieve this.
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Showcasing our collaborative community
We believe that bringing data scientists together and sharing projects, challenges, and learning can lead to problems being solved quickly and collaboratively, instead of silo-working.
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Accelerator programme – mentors page
Transformation in the Ghana Statistical Service
Using data science and automation in the production of price statistics
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Enabling Data Access through Privacy Preserving Synthetic Data
Synthetic data are artificially generated data that are made to resemble real-world, often sensitive, data.
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Synthesising the linked 2011 Census and deaths dataset while preserving its confidentiality
This report offers a thorough look into how we created a synthetic version of a large, linked, and confidential dataset while adhering to a formal privacy framework
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Celebrating the power of community
Join us this autumn to celebrate the Power of Community at the first Data Science Community Showcase!
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Exploring trends in local government spending through transparency declarations
Transparency declarations have a potential to capture a sizeable amount of public sector spending.
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The Longitudinal Business Database: Capturing the UK economy with new business microdata
The LBD is at its core a re-usable longitudinal data spine with each of its component providing the longitudinal link between business references. Data spine is a new concept.
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Download as PDF (198 KB) Guidance for applying for the Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for Government (MDataGov) studentsOffice for…
Read more on Master’s in Data Analytics for Government application guidanceMaster’s in Data Analytics for Government guidance on funding
Download as PDF (144 KB) Guidance on funding for the Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for Government (MDataGov) studentsOffice for…
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Download as PDF (147 KB) Guidance for managers of the Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for Government (MDataGov) studentsOffice for…
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Data Science Community Showcase 2023
Coming soon: the Data Science Community Showcase is a celebration of the power of community. This year, the event will take place over three days, from 28 to 30 November 2023.
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The International Data Masterclass is a collaboration between the ONS, FCDO, ESCAP and UNSD. The course is designed to help…
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A data science approach to estimate the use of natural spaces: a feasibility study
We demonstrate the use of a range of freely available anonymised and aggregated novel datasets to estimate visitation counts to natural areas.
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Are you ready for One Big Thing?
We are delighted to share that we are supporting Cabinet Office’s new annual training initiative, One Big Thing. This year, the focus is on data upskilling!
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Using large language models (LLMs) to improve website search experience with StatsChat
We have been exploring how NLP techniques and LLMs could be used in the future to improve website search experience for end-users.
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Comparing international transport performance in urban centres: upcoming work
We are planning to follow up on previous work we published earlier this year looking at public transport availability across the UK, by providing metrics for urban centres across the UK, as well as their international counterparts.
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Technical report: Estimation of travel to work matrices
We have produced an alternative estimation of the census travel to work matrices annually from 2012 to 2021, bridging the 10-year gap. This report looks at the technical specification of the gravity model, with the summary of input data and initial results.
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Estimation of travel to work matrices
Using novel modelling approaches, we have produced an alternative estimation of the travel to work matrices annually between 2012 and 2021, bridging the 10-year gap between Census data.
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Guest blog: Breaking into the world of data science with the Accelerator programme
In this guest blog, Helen Lankester, offers insights into her participation in the Accelerator programme, highlighting the impact and career growth she had through her involvement in the programme.
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Guest blog: Enhancing open-access data analysis: introducing the Journey Time Statistics R and Python packages
In this guest blog, 10DS data science fellows Federico and Robin, talk about working with the Campus to create packages that import, process and visualise DfT’s journey time statistics data.
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Technical report: nowcasting UK household income using the new “signature” method
This report is part of a programme of work that the ONS has been doing with the Alan Turing Institute to explore the usefulness of various economic nowcasting methods, particularly the signature method.
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Helping decision makers understand the economy quickly through new methods
Nowcasting refers to generating estimates of the current (“now”) state of the economy. We investigate how signature methods can be useful in the context of economic nowcasting
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Using Natural Language Processing for the analysis of global supply chains
We have been working with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to show how data science techniques can enable and enhance the analysis of global supply chains.
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Data Science and Data Visualisation Accelerator
Calling all UK public sector analysts interested in developing data science and data visualisation skills. The Autumn 2023 cohort of the Accelerator is now open for applications!
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Careers
The latest opportunities to join the Data Science Campus to work on exciting projects using data science for the public good.
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Using open-source data to measure our engagement with the natural environment
ONS Data Science Campus (DSC) and Defra’s Spatial Data Science team developed a novel solution for estimating the number of visitors to natural spaces across England.
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Guest blog: A day in the life of a graduate data scientist in the public sector
In this guest blog post, graduate data scientist, Lilly Taylor, gives an an account of what it is like to work as a graduate data scientist in the public sector.
Read more on Guest blog: A day in the life of a graduate data scientist in the public sectorData Science and Data Visualisation Accelerator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This page contains some frequently asked questions about the Data Science and Data Visualisation Accelerator programme.
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Learning Resources
Through the ONS-UNECE Machine Learning Group and our Data Science Campus Faculty, we offer access to research reports and training on data science coding and applied techniques.
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Partnerships
The team supports global capacity development through collaboration with international organisations and statistical agencies.
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Global System for International Classification of Diseases
The Data Science Campus International team has been partnering with the Iris Institute to support the software development roadmap to improve coding of causes of death.
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European Statistical System Web Intelligence Network
The team has been partnering with Eurostat on use of web data for official statistics
Read more on European Statistical System Web Intelligence NetworkData Science Graduate Programme Curriculum
The Data Science Graduate Programme curriculum provides a robust and exciting learning pathway designed to consolidate existing analytical skills.
Read more on Data Science Graduate Programme CurriculumData Science Graduate Programme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This page contains some frequently asked questions about the Data Science Graduate Programme.
Read more on Data Science Graduate Programme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Master’s in Data Analytics for Government (MDataGov) CPD modules
This page contains information about standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules and their availability for this academic year.
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How the cross-public sector data science community can support your career
In this blog post, we are sharing more about what is available through the community to support you in your career, including the our brand-new Living Library.
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Cross-Government and Public Sector Data Science Community
The Data Science Community is a vibrant space where those with an interest in data science, across the public sector, come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build networks.
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More ways to expand your data science skills with the Data Science Campus
We are pleased to announce that we have expanded our training offer by incorporating the delivery of the Analysis Function technical training, which includes delivering instructor-led workshops.
Read more on More ways to expand your data science skills with the Data Science Campus The use of microdata for firm-level analysis of preference tariff utilisation in the UK: technical report
We go behind our analysis on the use of microdata for the examination of preference tariff utilisation and take a deep dive into challenges of drawing together new administrative data sources to answer relevant policy questions.
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Building a love for data across the public sector
We celebrate work we have done to build data and data science skills across the wider public sector, and share our plans for the future.
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Advancing official statistics through web data and international partnerships
We have been partnering with the European Statistical System Network (ESSnet) Trusted Smart Statistics – Web Intelligence Network project (WIN) since April 2021. With the objective of providing comparable statistics at EU level for all members.
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Using new shipping data to improve government understanding of trade flows
We show how shipping instructions can be used to map the trade routes of critical goods. This will help understand our reliance on global ports for accessing specific products, and draw insights on the impact of important events such as strikes.
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Using open data to understand hyperlocal differences in UK public transport availability
We have published data to help researchers and local planners understand how public transport access varies across the UK, using open data and open-source software.
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Using Sentinel-2 images to measure the change in tree coverage in eastern Uganda: what does it mean for the Mbale Trees Programme?
We used machine learning to develop a model to identify areas of trees from satellite images in eastern Uganda, where the Mbale Trees Programme has been running since 2010.
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International Data Science Accelerator Programme
The Data Science Campus has designed the International Data Science Accelerator mentoring programme in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Big Data Task Team
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Using data science to help inform regional broadband investment
The Campus has delivered a suite of tools and code to North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) to support their work to prioritise broadband infrastructure improvements in the region.
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Campus in the top three at the UN PET Lab hackathon
Campus data scientists achieved an impressive third place in the UN PET Lab hackathon, competing against nearly 200 international teams. Read about their experience and approach during the competition.
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Join the Accelerator movement in 2023
Interested in the Data Science and Data Visualisation Accelerator? Applications for both programmes are opening soon. Read more in this blog post.
Read more on Join the Accelerator movement in 2023Data Science Campus faculty accessibility process 2022
This accessibility process was developed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Data Science Campus. It applies to anyone reviewing,…
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Identifying different roles in the social care sector using online job advertisements
In this guest blog, data science apprentice Evie Brown from the Social Care Analysis team at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) presents work on grouping online job adverts by social care role. This project was a significant part of the final year of the Level Six Data Science Apprenticeship.
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Paving the way for accessible data science training in the public sector
A large-scale accessibility audit of many courses and presentation templates on the Learning Hub and the ONS website in 2021 revealed many accessibility issues that would impact users of screen reader technology.
In this blog post Jake Marshall talks about the process I developed and why this project is important not only to the Campus, but to him personally.
Improving career opportunities for Black data scientists in the UK
This summer, the Campus hosted two interns as part of the HDR UK’s Black Internship Programme. Read more about their experience, embedded in real-life data science projects within our teams.
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Understanding NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) app reviews using topic modelling
NHS Test and Trace asked us to extract insights from COVID-19 contact tracing app reviews to help them understand how the app could be improved.
Read more on Understanding NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) app reviews using topic modelling Broadening geospatial skills across the public sector
As part of our graduate programme, we successfully delivered a geospatial module produced by the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Geography team and Ordnance Survey (OS). Find out more about this collaboration.
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The Government Data Science Community in 2022
Find out more about the Government Data Science Community’s events and opportunities in 2022. The community is a vibrant space for analysts and data scientists in the UK public sector.
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Data Science Graduate Programme Handbook
This Data Science Graduate Programme Handbook is for current and prospective graduates, as well as stakeholders looking for more information about this programme.
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Predicting the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) of properties
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) asked the Campus to see if machine learning techniques could be used to predict the energy efficiency of properties that do not have an official score. Read more about our findings on this blog post.
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Opening our doors to future talent
This summer, the Campus faculty hosted two groups of students to engage them in a unique work experience that helped them gain valuable workplace skills.
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Bringing the world to ONS: Working together on data science and big data
We welcomed guests from 26 national and international organisations at our offices in Newport, including partners from Rwanda, Brazil, Thailand, Lebanon, Jordan and Canada.
Read more on Bringing the world to ONS: Working together on data science and big dataSocial media policy
This page outlines the ONS Data Science Campus social media policy.
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Visualising rail schedules using open data
Rail services can be affected by temporary factors such as unseasonably hot weather, industrial action and engineering works. We produced maps from open data showing service levels at every station in Great Britain over a 21-day period.
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What is the International Data Science Accelerator Programme?
The Data Science Campus has designed the International Data Science Accelerator mentoring programme in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Big Data Task Team on Training, Competencies and Capacity Development.
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International Accelerator Programme – Call for mentors
We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity and we hope the information provided will inspire you to join our virtual international data science mentorship programme. We look forward to hearing from you.
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International Accelerator Programme – Call for mentees
This is a project based mentoring programme and as a mentee you’ll need to submit a data science project on which you’ll potentially collaborate with a designated mentor.
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The data science graduate programme: past, present and future
In this blog our Programme Officer managing the Graduate Programme, Laura Clarke, gives an update on our sought after Graduate Programme.
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The MDataGov is a unique and flexible full-time or part-time master’s programme that combines modules in statistics and data science.
Read more on Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for GovernmentData Science Accelerator privacy notice
Published on 1 July 2022 The Data Science Accelerator is a capability-building programme which gives analysts from across the public…
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UK data science on a global stage
At the World Expo in Dubai, we supported other National Statistics Organisations to develop their data science capability by delivering a series of workshops, training sessions and discussions.
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Examples of International Data Science Accelerator projects
Here are some examples of projects from the first cohort of the International Data Science Accelerator programme, including testimonials from mentors and mentees.
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Data synthesis is an active area of research for many organisations, including the Office for National Statistics (ONS). SynthGauge is a Python library that provides decision-makers with a range of metrics and visualisations for evaluating synthetic data.
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Individual CPD modules from the MDataGov programme
There are opportunities for public sector analysts to study one-off, week-long modules to improve their data analytics skills in the summer of 2022.
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Case study: responding to the coronavirus pandemic using aggregated BT mobility data
To support the national fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) in March 2020, BT made aggregate, anonymised mobility data available to the UK Government. We quickly turned this into daily updates, with only one day’s delay between activity and the reporting of it.
Read more on Case study: responding to the coronavirus pandemic using aggregated BT mobility data Use of hybrid data to understand the community-level influences on coronavirus (COVID-19) incidence
Understanding and monitoring the major influences on COVID-19 infection numbers in communities is essential to inform policy making and evaluate the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions. We have developed a community-level analysis by assembling a large set of static and dynamic data for England.
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Government Data Science Festival 2022
At Government Data Science Festival 2022, we considered ‘The Future of Data Science for Public Good’. We’ll have Festival resources available shortly, and are inviting you to have your say through our ManiFESTo.
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Worker shortages: A window on labour demand during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The UK’s exit from the European Union created uncertainty about workers across a range of sectors, exacerbated by concerns over workers leaving the country and the impact on labour supply. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created additional and sudden changes, with sectors being affected heterogeneously and demand switching from services to goods.
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ManiFESTo
Government Data Science Festival 2022 has seen lively discussion and debate around a wide range of issues that matter to…
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Technical report: Predicting cattle camp locations in South Sudan from Sentinel 2 satellite imagery
Cattle are central to many people’s livelihoods in South Sudan, but there are very few recent data on the number of animals and their geographic distribution. Building on previous work, this blog explores new methods, based on convolutional neural networks, that can better distinguish cattle camps from similar landscape features.
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The Data Science Campus – five years of data science for public good
On 27 March 2017, with an audience of UK and international data science leaders from across the public, private and academic sectors, a team of 8, some brilliant presentations, and a lot of excitement, the Data Science Campus was launched. 5 years later, Louisa Nolan shares what have we learned along the way.
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Employing data science to analyse the use of preferential tariffs in free trade agreements
Preference utilisation rates (PURs) measure the extent to which UK businesses make use of the zero or reduced tariffs available via free trade agreements (FTAs). In this work, we study the take-up of preferential tariffs by UK businesses between 2009 and 2019 and examine their trends and patterns.
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Launching the Public Sector Data Science Graduate Programme 2022 to 2024
We are delighted to launch the Public Sector Data Science Graduate Programme for 2022 to 2024, with applications open until 24 March 2022.
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Data Science Graduate Programme 2022 – applicant brochure
The Public Sector Data Science Graduate Programme 2022 to 2024 is an exciting opportunity for you to work at the heart of public sector data science.
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One year of the Data Masterclass for Senior Leaders
It has been one year since the creation of the Data Masterclass for Senior Leaders, and participation in the programme has far exceeded expectations.
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Technical Report: Project Mertz—novel use of historical RAF flight safety records
Part of our mission at the Data Science Campus (DSC) is to build data science capability across the public sector. In this project, which grew out of our Data Science Accelerator programme, we worked with the Royal Air Force (RAF) to help upskill their staff in the Python programming language and natural language processing (NLP) methods.
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Collaborations
At the Data Science Campus, we pride ourselves in collaborating with experts from various fields and organisations to deliver data science for the public good.
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Mentoring without borders – growing data science skills internationally
The International Data Science Accelerator Programme opened for its’ first applicants on 31 January. We spoke to Fatima Al Taharhwa (Department of Statistics, Jordan) and her mentor Hatem El Sherif (Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, United Arab Emirates), who took part in the pilot programme.
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Building data science futures one bite at a time
Our data science apprentices have gone from strength to strength over the past three years, and are using their passion and experiences to inspire young people and be role models for the next generation of data scientists.
Read more on Building data science futures one bite at a timeLong reports
- Accelerator programme – mentors page
- Synthesising the linked 2011 Census and deaths dataset while preserving its confidentiality
- A data science approach to estimate the use of natural spaces: a feasibility study
- Technical report: Estimation of travel to work matrices
- Technical report: nowcasting UK household income using the new “signature” method