DSTrain programme officially launched!

The DSTrain Kickoff Seminar on November 8, 2024, officially launched the DSTrain postdoctoral programme. Hosted at the University Library at the University of Oslo, the event gathered the newly appointed postdocs, their supervisors, and key stakeholders invested in the programme’s success.

Bildet kan inneholde: smil, menneskelig, sosial gruppe, fellesskap, mennesker.

Group photo of our new postdocs (some attended digitally and could be on the photo). 

Welcoming new postdocs

The day started with a welcome by Arne B. Huseby, project leader for DSTrain, followed by presentations from leading supervisors on diverse applications of data science, including genomics, quantum technology, machine learning, and astrophysics.

Arne B. Huseby, project leader of DSTrain and interim leader dScience – Centre for Computational and Data Science
Arne B. Huseby, project leader of DSTrain and interim leader dScience – Centre for Computational and Data Science   

DSTrain Supervisors

DSTrain supervisors presented their research, showcasing data science applications across disciplines. Topics included biodiversity and big data (Kjetill S. Jakobsen), quantum technology (Marianne E. Bathen), high-energy physics calculations (Are Raklev), Bayesian and causal machine learning (Arne Bang Huseby), AI-driven digital twins (Tor Skeie), image reconstruction in acoustics (Andreas Austeng), machine learning in chemical exploration (David Balcells), and solar observations (Tiago Pereira).

Quantum technology, Marianne E. Bathen, Dept. of Physics
Quantum technology, Marianne E. Bathen, Dept. of Physics.

Pitching research projects

Participants had the opportunity to hear 16 postdocs pitch their research projects, showcasing innovative applications of data science across disciplines.

Bildet kan inneholde: mikrofon, talsperson, tilpasning, podium, font.
Excellent presentations of research projects by the postdocs.

Career development, research communication and experience from Compsci

The seminar also included sessions on career development, research communication, and lessons learned from similar programmes at the University of Oslo, including the Compsci Doctoral Programme (2021-2026).

Career development and support, Elisabeth H Seland, senior adviser, Department of Mathematics

Building community

Interactive activities like the “Diversity Icebreaker” encouraged networking and collaboration, reflecting the programme’s commitment to building a strong and supportive community among the postdocs.

The day concluded with an overview of cross-sectoral opportunities and the support available to DSTrain researchers, highlighting the programme’s commitment to developing interdisciplinary and transferable skills while fostering collaboration with industry and public sector partners.

From the left: EU Adviser Hilde Hvistendahl from The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UiO and DSTrain programme coordinator and Research Adviser, Martha Elisabeth Brigg
From the left: EU Adviser Hilde Hvistendahl from The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and DSTrain programme coordinator and Research Adviser, Martha Elisabeth Brigg .

See more photos from the kick-off

Photos: Christoffer Hals, dScience, UiO. 

 

About DSTrain

DSTrain is a five-year postdoctoral programme designed to award 36 fellowship positions, equipping researchers with advanced data science skills to drive Europe’s digital transformation across disciplines and sectors. The postdocs hired in October 2024 represent the first cohort under the programme’s initial call. A second call, set to open in January 2025, will recruit an additional 18 postdocs.

Data science plays a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges and driving innovation. By fostering expertise in this critical field, DSTrain positions its participants to harness the growing opportunities presented by data-driven advancements.

By Christoffer Hals
Published Nov. 15, 2024 2:23 PM - Last modified Nov. 15, 2024 2:50 PM