Making data analysis training accessible. Everywhere.

It’s hard to overstate how vital such analysis skills are in dementia and health data research. In DPUK, we recognised early on that providing access to our data portal and working with population and large cohort datasets needs to be supported by training to equip people with an ability to optimise their capacity to work with data. There are currently 3 training events each year focused on analytical research methods. Two are academies (Elementary and Advanced) meeting the needs for both starter-level researchers and people with a more developed experience.

The scale of need is reflected in the number of researchers participating in our training and the countries where they work. In our most recent Advanced Academy there were people from 12 countries taking part, representing both low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) as well as high-income countries.

To nurture access at a global scale and eliminate barriers to participation, we need to be sure DPUK training programmes are affordable and accessible. That is why DPUK courses are online and fees are low.

In addition to our academies, we have designed a ‘Datathon’. It is very popular and helps develop international and inter institutional collaboration with mentoring and support to help people attending the academy to produce scientific output and publications.

Inevitably, the cost of training in general is very challenging. It is frequently beyond the reach of researchers in LMIC countries. And it’s especially hard for researchers working in institutions that are either poorly funded, or lack a main focus area of research. In fact, fees are minimal for most researchers and free for LMIC researchers. For each event, there is free access to all the software needed. 

So, it is especially rewarding to get positive feedback from people who’ve been on a course with us. Only last week one Advanced Academy participant working in India commented:

“I had a wonderful time learning. The lectures were very detailed and well-structured. They really helped me develop a good understanding of contemporary statistical procedures for big data-sets which will be most instrumental for my DPhil.”

What is striking to me is how quickly a real community starts to be created at each training course. There are always great Q&As with our expert speakers, as well as during the technical master classes. Each day, there are tutorials to practise newly taught skills, so everyone gets the opportunity to get hand-on experience and contextualise what they have learned.