PyData Amsterdam 2024

Data Science for Social Good: Making Impact in Resource-Constrained Environments
09-19, 15:35–16:10 (Europe/Amsterdam), Rembrandt

How can data science be used to make positive impact on the world? In this talk, we'll highlight some #data4good projects we ran with volunteers with open source tooling only, typically in a resource-constrained environment.


Data science can provide valuable insights for companies by analyzing data to make informed decisions, improve operations and drive innovation. That's why many companies have a dedicated Data & Analytics department, which they typically support with large team and professional resources.

Sadly, many non-profits and NGOs lack those resources, while they could still benefit hugely from the value data science can bring. So how can we, while fully-dependent on open-source tools and volunteers, help them make a difference?

In this talk, we'll walk through some of our past projects, including:
* How analysis of satellite data on (illegal) deforestation in Kosovo helped influence a governmental draft on deforestation regulation strategy.
* What we did to map out the hunger risk in Suriname, which helped to make a case for IMF loans in the country
* Why automated crawling bank's environment policies saved valuable time and helped the organisation act swiftly in a changing policy landscape

At the end of this talk, you'll have seen how data science can be used to make a meaningful impact, even in resource-constrained environments, and you may even feel inspired to apply your skills for social good!

This talk is provided by Correlaid. Correlaid is a non-partisan, non-profit network of data professionals who want to use their skills to advance social good by carrying out pro bono projects for non-profit organisations.

Anastasiia holds a master's degree in Applied Mathematics and has utilised her skills in a number of data projects in energy domain. She joined CorrelAid NL after contributing to multiple projects as a data for good volunteer. At CorrelAid, her goals include bringing more #data4good projects on board, streamlining technical processes and continuing our meet-up series that got her excited to join us in the first place! In her work as a data scientist at Jedlix, she is focused on productionizing data products, as she believes that data brings most value when it improves and automates decision making continuously. Anastasiia takes inspiration from doughnut economics and hopes that her work with CorrelAid contributes to a more sustainable and just world!

Mehrzad received his Masters in Artificial Intelligence back in the time when AI was not that common in The Netherlands. As part of the first groups of students who did a full AI study in the Netherlands, he joined the early adopters of AI and took the challenge of bringing practical AI to the endeavors of everyday life. He has currently taken the challenge of bringing the power of collaboration to the scientific world by building digital solutions based on AI and Data Science. Mehrzad joined CorrelAid with the goal of making this blue planet a better place for everyone, helping NGOs harness the power of Data and Data Science. With a strong passion for collaboration and people, Mehrzad's everyday reminder is: Live, Love, Explore, and challenge your excuses everyday!

Contact: [email protected]