DIve into data science at the Information Resilience PhD School 2024

29 October 2024 – 31 October 2024 

Amine Lagzouli, a dedicated PhD candidate, recently attended the Information Resilience PhD School 2024 at the University of Queensland hosted by fellow ARC Training Centre, the ARC Centre for Information Resilience (CIRES). The annual event, held from October 29–31, brought together PhD students from across Australia to explore the latest advancements in data science and resilience. Over the 2.5-day program, Amine engaged in hands-on activities, networked with experts, and gained insights into AI and data-driven research practices that will shape his future career. 

Hands-On Learning and Presentation Opportunities 

Amine’s experience at the PhD School included a variety of interactive activities designed to deepen his knowledge and showcase his research: 

  • 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Presentation – Amine challenged himself to present his complex research in just three minutes, sharpening his ability to communicate intricate ideas with clarity. 
  • Poster Presentation – He participated in a poster session, sharing his findings and discussing methodologies with peers and mentors, opening doors for collaborative insights. 
  • Collaborative Group Sessions – Through interdisciplinary group work, Amine exchanged ideas with other PhD students, gaining new perspectives and forging connections across different research areas. 

Workshops and Expert Panels 

Throughout the event, Amine attended workshops and panels led by prominent academics and industry professionals. These sessions covered critical topics in AI and data resilience, such as: 

  • Data Quality in the Age of AI – A keynote by Professor Felix Naumann from the Hasso Plattner Institute (Germany) delved into the essential role of data quality in AI-driven research. 
  • Industry Engagement and Entrepreneurship – Amine joined panels featuring industry leaders who shared advice on collaboration, innovation, and the importance of entrepreneurial thinking for PhD students pursuing industry careers. 
  • Advanced Technical Tutorials – He explored tutorials on large language models (LLMs), machine learning workflows, and data-centric AI applications, providing practical insights for his research. 

Networking and Industry Connections 

Networking was a highlight for Amine, who engaged in meaningful discussions with both peers and experts. He connected with other PhD students and senior researchers, exchanging insights on AI and advanced data methodologies. Panels featuring leaders from top R&D sectors allowed Amine to gain first-hand knowledge of industry challenges and applications, bridging the gap between research and real-world problem-solving. 

Insights from Esteemed Guest Speakers 

Amine benefited from sessions with esteemed guest speakers, including Professor Felix Naumann and Professor Lina Yao of CSIRO. Their presentations provided an in-depth look at next-generation data science practices, including AI-driven personalisation and the importance of data transparency. These talks offered Amine a comprehensive view of the current trends and critical skills needed in a data-driven world. 

Building a Foundation for Future Success 

Amine’s involvement in the Information Resilience PhD School was a significant milestone in his academic journey, equipping him with advanced knowledge, new connections, and inspiration to further his work in data science and AI. His experience underscores his commitment to leveraging technology to address complex, real-world challenges, and highlights the value of collaborative events like this in fostering innovation and professional growth. This opportunity has laid a strong foundation for Amine’s future endeavours, preparing him to make impactful contributions to data resilience and AI research. As an ARC Training Centre, we aim to continue collaborating with our Partner Organisation (University of Queensland and sister Centre’s to ensure our students obtain world-class training to become leaders in the medical AI fields. We thank Centre Manager Ms Kate Aldridge for making this training possible and look forward to future school events.