WG RDA/CODATA Summer Schools in Data Science and Cloud Computing in the Developing World

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03 January 2016 1459 reads
Date & time: Thursday 3rd March - 11:00 - 12:30 - Working Meeting Session 7
Meeting title: CODATA-RDA schools in Research Data Science
The ever-accelerating volume, velocity and variety of data being generated is impacting all research disciplines, from the sciences to the humanities. What can justly be called the ‘Data Revolution’ offers many opportunities coupled with significant challenges. Contemporary research – particularly when addressing the most significant, transdisciplinary research challenges – cannot effectively be done without a range of skills relating to data. Prominent among the challenges of the ‘Data Revolution’, therefore, is that of developing skills and competences required to optimise the use of the new data resources.
The CODATA-RDA Working Group on Research Data Science Short Courses / Summer Schools has developed a framework for ‘research data science’ short courses. The courses combine the approaches and materials from other initiatives (including Software Carpentry, Data Carpentry, the Digital Curation Centre and materials relating to RDA and CODATA outputs) to create a programme that is more than the sum of its parts. The content includes the principles and practice of Open Science and research data management and curation, the use of a range of data platforms and infrastructures, large scale analysis, statistics, visualisation and modelling techniques, software development and data annotation. The WG defines ‘Research Data Science’ as the ensemble of these skills.
The vision is that introductory courses should lead to more specialized courses, covering more advanced data skills and/or adapted to the needs of specific disciplines. The medium term of objective is that courses should provide credits that can contribute towards participants post-graduate studies.
The first introductory ‘Summer School’ will take place in August 2016 at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics. Considerable funding for student travel, accommodation and board has already been obtained. 
The programme of schools is designed to be scalable and sustainable: opportunities are available for partners to host schools in 2017 and the WG is generating funding support and developing a business model for sustainability.
CODATA-RDA Working Group on Data Science Short Courses / Summer Schools
http://www.codata.org/working-groups/research-data-science-summer-schools 
and 
https://rd-alliance.org/groups/rdacodata-summer-schools-data-science-and...
Registration page for the first introductory summer school in August 2016 http://indico.ictp.it/event/7658/ 
The objective of this meeting will be:
1. to provide a complete introduction the CODATA-RDA Research Data Science Short Courses and the activities of the Working Group;
2. to discuss the broad approach and build interest in the Eastern hemisphere, extending opportunities for hosting courses in 2017;
3. to discuss the options for recognition, accreditation and the awarding of credits through this programme;
4. to discuss partnerships, funding opportunities and possible business models for the scalable and sustainable expansion of the initiative.
1. Introduction to the CODATA-RDA Research Data Science Summer Schools/Short Courses, (20 mins)
2. Presentation from partners in the region on opportunities for collaboration to extend the schools, TBC (2 x 10 mins)
3. Presentation on options for accreditation and the awarding of credits, TBC (10 mins)
4. Presentation on options for partnerships, funding opportunities and possible business models, TBC (10 mins)
5. Structured discussions, summary and identification of next steps (30 mins)
The activities of the CODATA-RDA Working Group on Research Data Science Summer Schools / Short Courses is of interest to most RDA stakeholders. Particular efforts will be made to engage with potential collaborators in the region.
Andrew Harrison