Work in multidisciplinary teams to generate new findings in dementia research
- Use cohort data to explore the comorbidities of cognitive decline (including cardiovascular disease)
- For specialists in statistical analysis or machine learning methods
- Expert introduction to selected population cohorts
- 4 online cohort analysis workshops
- Support and guidance during offline periods
- Approx 15-30 hours' additional work required for research and collaboration
- Free to attend, once application approved (see application link below)
- 1-12 March 2021, online
Why should I join?
The need
Clinical trials for dementia are moving to intervene at a much earlier stage in disease progression – before the onset of dementia itself. As the amount of data available to us increases rapidly, it is becoming vital to innovate in order to make sense of it and gain new insights.
Your focus
At the virtual DPUK datathon, you will work online in teams to analyse population cohort data held in the DPUK Data Portal. You will experiment with different methodologies to predict dementia risk and likelihood of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Research questions will centre around longitudinal modelling of disease and cognitive change. We will be working with data from these cohorts at the virtual DPUK datathon.
Your skills
Successful applicants may have a dementia or data science specialism, experience in machine learning, or experience in applied classical statistics. Participants will be carefully selected to ensure a complementary interdisciplinary mix of skills.
The result
You will be part of an interdisciplinary research collaboration. Teams will receive ongoing support via the DPUK Reach discussion forum to develop their ideas into full study proposals and published research during and after the virtual DPUK datathon.
Find out what a previous participant has to say about taking part in a DPUK datathon.
DPUK's Senior Data and Science Manager, Dr Sarah Bauermeister, will lead the virtual DPUK datathon
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Sarah Bauermeister
University of Oxford
How can I apply?
Applications for our March datathon have now closed. Keep an eye on our Twitter page @DementiasUK for news about our next event, or sign up to receive an email alert at the link below.
Eligibility criteria
- Data scientists with some experience of working with complex data.
- Experience of statistical techniques.
- Experience of working in dementia or health research will be useful, but is not essential.
- University or industry-based.
- UK and further afield.
Key facts
- The virtual DPUK datathon takes place online, with one full-day and four shorter workshops (plus a technical induction and presentation session) during the period 1-12 March 2021. If you can't make these dates, register to find out about future DPUK datathons.
- Additional time (approximately 15-30 hours) will need to be put aside for collaborative work on data analysis projects. Commitment to self-guided research time and unstructured group work will greatly enhance your experience.
- The research question addressed during this datathon will be: 'Cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities of cognitive change'.
- The deadline for applications is Monday 1 February at 9am UK time.
- The virtual DPUK datathon is supported by Alzheimer's Research UK and the DEMON Network.
- Places are selective and strictly limited.
- Attendance is free.