Students gather at CDT kick-off event

Students from Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol have gathered at the Vale Resort Hotel in Cardiff for a day of activities to mark the start of the Centre for Doctoral Training in data intensive science (CDT).

The aim of the event was to bring together the next generation of data scientists who have enrolled on the programme for the first time and to get them familiar with team building and team work.

Amongst the many presentations and activities throughout the two days, the students participated in a ‘Hackathon’ within small groups, converting old software into brand new, modern computer coding language.

The CDT, which is funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is led by Cardiff University jointly with University of Bristol and Swansea University and provides training in data intensive methods and how to apply them in particle physics, gravitational physics and astronomy.

Students enrolled on the four-year PhD programme work closely with UK industry, undertaking a six-month industrial placement.

Professor Peter Coles said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the students from Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol to meet our industrial partners and get together and start learning how to work effectively as part of larger teams.

“The event was enjoyed by all and was a perfect way to kick-off off the next four years for the students.”

Rhys Green, a student on the programme, said: “It was a great opportunity to get to know and exchange contact details with the other students in the cohort across the three universities in a relaxed setting. The industrial speakers provided an interesting insight into how data science is used outside of traditional academia. The event overall generated a lot of excitement about the next four years and the opportunities that we'll have in that period.”