As part of dScience – Centre for Computational and Data Science, dSAG offers expertise in data management, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, enabling researchers to explore new possibilities and optimise their workflows.
Through this support, dSAG ensures that research projects remain data-driven, reproducible, and aligned with best practices in computational science. With data science becoming integral across disciplines, research groups gain valuable, structured guidance tailored to their computational and analytical needs.
Bridging the Gap Between Data Science and Research
dSAG collaborates closely with UiO’s IT Department and the Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Cloud (NAIC) to ensure researchers have access to the necessary infrastructure and technical expertise. The group serves as a bridge between data science methodologies and domain-specific research, helping to optimise data handling, improve computational workflows, and introduce scalable solutions for complex problems.
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Each year, research groups at UiO are invited to submit applications describing their data and computational challenges. These applications undergo a thorough assessment to determine the feasibility of support. If approved, an action plan is developed in collaboration with the research team to ensure structured and effective problem-solving.
Arash Ahmadi, Head of the Data Science Analytics Group, emphasises the broader impact of their work:
“Our aim is not just to assist with technical challenges but to ensure that researchers fully understand and utilise data science tools in their work. By collaborating closely with research teams, we help them build sustainable solutions that enhance their research impact in the long run.”
Recent projects have ranged from data preparation and computational model optimisation to machine learning applications and high-performance computing workflows. By tailoring solutions to the needs of researchers, dSAGs overall goal is to enhance UiO’s position as a leader in data-driven research and innovation.
Research Advancement Workshops and Training for Researchers
Beyond direct project support, dSAG places strong emphasis on knowledge transfer through training sessions and workshops. These workshops are designed to equip researchers with practical skills that can be applied immediately to their work, reducing barriers to entry for complex computational techniques.
dSAG aims to offer this to all UiO researchers, providing expertise in data management, AI, and computational tools. An example of this support is DSTrain, UiO’s five-year, EU co-funded postdoctoral programme. Offering 36 fellowships in two calls, DSTrain equips researchers with essential data science skills, driving innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Many of the first 18 DSTrain postdocs, including Valeriia Liakh and Miguel ?ngel Gaona Fernández, are already benefiting from dSAG’s expertise in data science training and computational support.
Valeriia Liakh holds a PhD in Astrophysics from IAC (2021) and after a postdoc at KU Leuven, she joined UiO’s Rosseland Centre for Solar Physics, using machine learning and numerical modeling to study solar phenomena. Liakh has found the courses very helpful.
“I found the courses very useful and well-delivered. I attended the 'Project Management for Postdoctoral Researchers' and 'Getting up-to-speed with Python' workshops, In the project management workshop, I learned some great new tools for organising my work. In the Python workshop, I finally had the chance to try using VS Code, for instance. What I really appreciate about these courses is how clearly they are delivered, with very useful hands-on sessions. They provide an opportunity to try out new tools on examples,” she said.
Miguel ?ngel Gaona Fernández, earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry at the University of Seville, Spain, and later completed a cum laude Ph.D. at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. He says the courses have had a positive impact on this research.
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“I attended courses on project management, version control, and Python. The version control course, which I initially took out of necessity, turned out to be incredibly useful and practical. The Python course introduced tools I wish I had known earlier! These workshops have had a direct, positive impact on my research.”
The workshops are structured to balance theory with hands-on exercises, ensuring participants gain both conceptual understanding and technical proficiency. Ahmadi highlights the importance of these sessions:
“Our workshops span a wide range of cutting-edge technologies vital for modern data science. Topics include, but are not limited to, version control, package and environment management, development and execution reproducibility, containerisation, integrated development environments (IDEs), high-performance computing, advanced data visualisation and interactive analysis interfaces. We also explore techniques for managing knowledge and progress in data- and computation-intensive research as well as tools for sustainable software development.”
This is supported by, Morten D?hlen, Centre Leader of dScience, who underscores the important new role dSAG plays at UiO in general and the Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences in particular:
“The services provided by dSAG are of crucial importance for a research-intensive university like UiO. By offering high-level expertise in data science and computational tools, dSAG strengthens the research capabilities of scientists across disciplines. Their work ensures that researchers have the necessary support to fully leverage data-driven methodologies, enhancing both efficiency and impact.”
dSAG is an important part of dScience
dSAG operates within dScience at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UiO. dScience connects academic research with industry and the public sector, manages and shares data and software for research and innovation purposes, and provides direct support for long-term research tasks.
The center’s work includes building interdisciplinary collaborations, offering services to the research community, providing data science analytics and support, and contributing to education programs.
Opportunities for UiO Researchers
UiO researchers can take advantage of dSAG’s support services through annual project application calls and regularly scheduled workshops. Applications for research assistance open each April, providing a structured pathway for research groups to receive tailored guidance.
For those looking to improve their computational skills, workshops offer valuable opportunities to engage with experts and gain hands-on experience in critical areas of data science and computing.
Researchers interested in learning more about dSAG’s work, applying for support, or participating in workshops can explore available resources and initiatives on the dScience website.