Promoting an Interest in Data Science through a Series of Online Workshops

Abstract

In today’s data-rich world, developing countries cannot afford to remain away from the study and practice of data science. This paper presents an account of a series of online workshops initiated by the author in June 2020 from the forum of the Pak Institute of Statistical Training and Research (PISTAR), Lahore, Pakistan, the focus of which has so far been on topics such as ‘Tidyverse’, ‘Machine Learning’ and ‘Data Science Ideas for Aspiring Statistical Consultants’. The once-a-month online workshop series is exciting for the organizers and the participants alike as it is able to attract participants from various continents of the world, particularly from the developing countries. The congenial atmosphere and high-quality content of the workshops have led to confidence-building and trust that has prompted the launch of preparatory sessions which, together with the workshops, are serving as a vehicle for promoting interest in data science.