Diversifying data science

Southampton University has joined forces with some of the South’s other leading universities to establish DISCnet (Data Intensive Science Centre in the South East Physics Network): a Centre for Doctoral Training of PhD students that have a professional interest in the new discipline of data science. It is one of eight being established across the country.

DISCnet will be a sustainable centre of innovative education, training and research in data intensive science for postgraduate students with a physics-related background. Data intensive science is rapidly growing what has already become a huge influence on the development of global society and economics.

Brian Luff, Chairman of Southampton Science Park company CRITICAL Software, is chairing the DISCnet advisory board. He commented: “A key aspiration is to ensure that the PhDs emerging at the end of their four years in the programme are equipped to take their skills and expertise into the broadest possible range of industries. Their skills are extremely transferable and we want to provide them with alternatives to a career in their original academic disciplines.”