A university-wide approach to integrative data science education and career paths

All areas of science, particularly the physical sciences, are experiencing a data revolution that is changing our approaches to discovery. This “data science” transformation is being driven by factors such as advancements in high-throughput instrumentation, new modes of scalable computing, and perhaps most importantly, new breakthroughs in algorithms such as deep learning. Harnessing these advances with a coherent and intentional approach is essential to enabling new discoveries. As such, researchers need access to state-of-the-art data science methods and tools. Moreover, these methods and tools must evolve rapidly, driven by the requirements of discovery. This rate of advancement is currently limited by the “intellectual infrastructure” of trained data science practitioners. At the University of Washington’s eScience Institute, we have developed a university-wide approach to addressing this challenge by developing an integrative education program through formal data science options, now offered by 18 academic units at UW, and informal education programs. We have also supported transformational individuals, in both traditional and non-traditional academic roles, who bridge data science methods development and applied research. As a hub for data science on the UW campus, the eScience Institute has grown and fostered an interdisciplinary community focused on advancing data-intensive research and education across all fields.

In collaboration with: David Beck, University of Washington