As the "Empowering Data for Social Good" summer school comes to a close, we reflect on an incredible week filled with learning, collaboration, and groundbreaking ideas. The final session, where students presented their innovative research projects, was a fitting conclusion to an inspiring event.

The school

The "Empowering Data for Social Good" summer school, held from June 16-22, 2024, at Poggio all’Agnello Resort in Tuscany, focused on leveraging data for societal benefit. The event featured keynote speeches and hands-on group projects on topics like ethical AI, green development, and health technology. This interdisciplinary program brought together postgraduate students, researchers, and social scientists for a collaborative and impactful learning experience.

Inspiring Speakers

We were privileged to have an exceptional lineup of speakers who delivered insightful lessons throughout the five days. Their expertise and passion for their subjects significantly enriched the summer school experience. Here are some highlights:

• Roberto Trasarti from CNR-ISTI kicked off the week with an introduction to the SoBigData RI explaining the objectives and opportunities for PhD students and early career researchers.
• Angeliki Tzouganatou from OpenAIRE talked about the principles and importance of open science
• Giovanni Comandè who introduced the current data sharing scenario in Europe and described the importance of considering the legal principles in data analysis.
• Mark Coté from King's College London with a talk on data altruism, addressing technical and social challenges in building a trusted, community-driven research environment
• Maryam Mehrnezhad from Information Security Department, Royal Holloway University of London who delivered a powerful talk on the complex risks and harms associated with digital health technologies, with a special focus on female-oriented technologies (FemTech)
• Roberto Pellungrini from Scuola Normale Superiore who discussed paradigms for hybrid decision-making systems and how Explainable AI can be used to enhance these systems and improve the interaction between humans and AI-based systems
• Salvatore Ruggieri from University of Pisa talked about the motivation and the state-of-the-art of fair-AI methods and resources, with the aim of providing a multi-disciplinary bird’s-eye guidance.
• Alexander Barth from Université de Liège whose presentation explores using neural networks to fill gaps in satellite ocean data, optimized for accuracy and uncertainty, with a focus on improving sea surface temperature reconstructions.
• Angelo Facchini from IMT Alti Studi Lucca discussed innovative methods for measuring carbon emissions, highlighting the importance of accurate data in combating climate change and driving sustainable practices
• Franco D. Cicirelli from CNR-ICAR introduced us to the concept of Sustainable Cognitive Buildings, showcasing how smart technology and data analytics can transform our buildings into energy-efficient, environmentally friendly spaces.
• Richard Rogers from the University of Amsterdam provides a deep dive into the methods used to study search engines and social media platforms.
• Antinisca di Marco from the University of L'Aquila highlighted the importance of analyzing health data for accurate diagnosis and therapy, emphasizing the role of advanced technologies and AI.
• Jennifer Pybus from York University unveiled a novel methodology to audit menopause app infrastructures, revealing troubling data monetization and sharing practices. Her talk highlighted the urgent need for better regulation to protect sensitive health data.
• Katharina Morik from TU Dortmund University focused on Resource-Aware Machine Learning, discussing the need to optimize AI algorithms and hardware for energy efficiency.

Their contributions were invaluable, providing our students with cutting-edge knowledge and sparking engaging discussions.

Multidisciplinary Approach

One of the standout features of this summer school was its multidisciplinary nature. Our students came from diverse academic backgrounds, including computer science, social sciences, environmental studies, and more. This diversity enriched the learning experience, fostering cross-disciplinary insights and encouraging holistic approaches to problem-solving. The range of perspectives brought by our students was instrumental in driving forward-thinking discussions and innovative solutions.

Collaborative Group Work

Collaboration was at the heart of the SoBigData Summer School. Students worked in groups, blending their unique skills and knowledge to develop project concepts. This collaborative approach not only mirrored real-world scenarios but also enhanced the learning experience. Working in teams allowed students to exchange ideas, challenge each other’s thinking, and develop more robust and comprehensive ideas. The spirit of teamwork and mutual support was evident throughout the week and was a key factor in the success of the final presentations of their projects to the Summer School project committee.

High-Quality Presentations

The quality of the student presentations was truly remarkable. Each group showcased a deep understanding of the topics covered throughout the week, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. Their projects highlighted creative solutions aimed at leveraging data for social good, impressing not only their peers but also our esteemed committee of experts.

Expert Feedback

The Summer School project committee, including Prof.Dr.. Richard Rogers, Prof.Dr. Katharina Morik, Dr. Mark Coté, and Dr. Massimiliano Assante, provided invaluable feedback on the student. Their insights and suggestions will undoubtedly help our students refine their ideas and continue their journey toward using data for social good. The constructive feedback emphasized the potential and feasibility of the projects, guiding students toward further improvement and implementation.

Looking Ahead

As we conclude this year’s summer school, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the future. The passion and dedication shown by our students confirm that the next generation of data scientists is ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. We are confident that the knowledge and skills gained during this week will serve as a strong foundation for their future endeavors.

A big thank you to all the participants, speakers, and organizers who made the SoBigData Summer School a success. 

Until next time, let’s continue to empower data for a better world!

This event is supported by the European Union – Horizon 2020 Program under the scheme “INFRAIA-01-2018-2019 – Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities”, Grant Agreement n.871042, “SoBigData++: European Integrated Infrastructure for Social Mining and Big Data Analytics” (http://www.sobigdata.eu) and –  NextGenerationEU – National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, PNRR) – Project: “SoBigData.it – Strengthening the Italian RI for Social Mining and Big Data Analytics” – Prot. IR0000013 – Avviso n. 3264 del 28/12/2021