Project Overview
The Big Data to Big Ideas Winter School is planned as an annual 5-day programme led by IDIA to train early-career scientists from South Africa and African SKA Partner Countries in big data analysis, machine learning, AI, and data visualisation for radio astronomy (specifically relating to SKA and MeerKAT science). It addresses students’ limited experience with large radio astronomy datasets and cloud computing by offering interactive training, hands-on group work, and professional development in CV building and scientific communication. Using resources such as ilifu, CARTA, and MeerKAT data, participants will gain practical skills in ML-based source finding and image classification, including anomaly detection. The School aims to build confidence, strengthen community readiness for the MeerKAT+ and SKA era, foster collaborations and professional networks, and empower participants to communicate their science effectively.
Primary Objectives
- Equip participants with practical skills in cloud computing, data management, analysis, and AI/ML for radio astronomy.
- Provide hands-on experience with ilifu, Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and CARTA.
- Apply MeerKAT datasets to build capacity for MeerKAT+ and SKA-era research.
- Build professional confidence through training in scientific communication, CVs, and presentations.
- Foster teamwork and collaboration through group projects with diverse participants.
- Promote diversity and inclusion across gender, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds.
- Establish mentorship and peer networks for career development and ongoing collaboration.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will acquire practical skills in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation, preparing them for research and careers in data-intensive fields. The workshop will strengthen the radio astronomy community by fostering innovation, leadership, and collaboration, while mentorship, teamwork, and networking will support ongoing professional development and promote diversity and inclusion across South Africa (SA) and the African SKA Partner Countries (ASPC).