Training and Mentoring
Health data analysts training is a cornerstone of DPUK's work. From our annual Datathon events to our Health Data Analyst Academies, we are helping inspire the new generation of cohort analysts and equipping existing analysts with enhanced statistical skills. With Datathons, researchers work in multidisciplinary teams to generate valuable new findings in dementia research. Our Datathons are taking place virtually at the moment.
Training the health data analysts of the future is a cornerstone of DPUK's work. From our flagship Datathon events to our new Health Data Analyst Academies, we are helping inspire a new generation of cohort analysts and equipping existing analysts with enhanced statistical skills.
DPUK Health Analyst Academies
DPUK runs two academies a year to provide training at beginner and advanced levels.
These online academies offer participants an immersive experience in statistical analytical skills encompassing group collaboration and hands-on big data work, talks, lectures & tutorials.
They are suitable for anyone working in health research, however during the courses participants will use datasets from Dementias Platform UK’s Data Portal.
Both the Elementary and Advanced academies are open to participants worldwide, but are delivered in the GMT (UK) time zone, so you will need to commit to these times.
The next courses run by DPUK will be from 26th February to 1st March 2024 for the Elementary Academy and 28th October to 1st November 2024 for the Advanced Academy.
Aimed at those new to cohort data analysis, our Elementary Academy is a week-long online event. Presented in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh, this 5-day course is aimed at teaching researchers essential statistical skills and analysis. It is for people new to the field AND those wanting to refresh their core skills.
Visit the Elementary Academy webpage for full information.
For more experienced data analysts, we have an Advanced Academy. This too is a week-long online event feature expert tutors, group working and giving an in-depth insight into cohort analysis techniques including linear/logistic regression, machine learning, survival analysis, and latent growth curve models.
DPUK DATATHONS
DPUK Datathons are a key part of our data analyst training programme, placing researchers in multidisciplinary teams to generate valuable new findings in dementia research using cohorts in the DPUK Data Portal. Next year's Datathon will run from 24 to 28 June 2024.
Sign up to hear about future Datathon or Academy events.
WHAT ARE DATATHONS?
At DPUK Datathons, researchers work in multidisciplinary teams to generate valuable new findings in dementia research. Our Datathons are taking place virtually at the moment.
You will use cohort data in the DPUK Data Portal to explore a particular research question relating to dementia risk and progression. Our last event addressed the comorbidities of cognitive decline (including cardiovascular disease).
Datathons are ideal for early-career researchers who specialise in statistical analysis or machine learning methods. They are led by DPUK's Senior Data and Science Manager, Dr Sarah Bauermeister.
The events include:
- Expert introduction to selected population cohorts
- Guided cohort analysis workshops
- Support and guidance during offline periods
- Potential for studies to develop into publications
Datathons cost £100 to attend. Around 15-30 hours of additional work beyond the formal workshops will be required for research and collaboration.
Find out what a previous participant has to say about taking part in a DPUK Datathon.
DATATHON 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