10 Years of Human Capacity Development in Big Data and Data Science
SARAO is celebrating 10 years of human capacity development in Big Data and Data Science. Since 2015, the Big Data Africa programme has provided training to young Africans based at universities in South Africa and the eight SKA Africa partner countries. Read / Download the 10 Years of Human Capacity Development in Big Data and Data Science report below.
This report highlights SARAO’s training and capacity development initiatives in data science / Big Data carried out over the past ten years. Through a broader vision for human capacity development, SARAO’s Big Data Africa programme has not only focussed on data science capacity development in radio astronomy but the building of data science capacity in complementary, data-intensive research areas encompassing thematic areas in biomedical / health imaging and Earth observation / agriculture.
SARAO’s training and capacity development initiatives have targeted individuals having various skills levels in data science and data analysis from beginners to individuals having more advanced skills. Initiatives have additionally included events that create awareness of career opportunities in technology sectors. By targeting individuals at all skills levels, SARAO has successfully developed a Big Data Africa programme that is inclusive to young African scientists and engineers at various stages of their career journeys.
The report highlights the active role SARAO has been playing to ensure inclusivity and diversity in its training initiatives through targeted interventions for promoting women in data science and engagement with the historically disadvantaged universities. Positive outcomes from these interventions have been observed with a notable increase in the participation of women and students from HDIs in more recent training and development initiatives carried out by SARAO and its partners.
Training and capacity development initiatives forming part of SARAO’s Big Data Africa programme have been mostly funded through international partnerships with strong support from South Africa’s DSTI. Industry has played another critical role in many of the training initiatives by their contributions and support offered to the running of these events. Over the period of ten years, SARAO has maintained these links with industry who continue to play a significant role in the overall success of the Big Data Africa programme as demonstrated in this report. SARAO’s Big Data Africa programme successfully demonstrates how national research infrastructures can take the lead in developing human capital in forefront technological fields that cuts across various sectors in partnership with industry.
