Mission
The Carleton University Institute for Data Science supports the growth of interdisciplinary research and graduate studies in data science by hosting research seminars and workshops, interdisciplinary research groups, joint events with industry and a Collaborative Master’s in Data Science.
About
The Carleton University Institute for Data Science (CUIDS) was established as a cross-university initiative on April 1, 2015. Founded by Frank Dehne, Chancellor’s Professor in the School of Computer Science, CUIDS is administratively housed in the Faculty of Science. Dehne manages the Institute and receives support with event coordination, communications and administration of the graduate program from the School’s Graduate Administrator for Interdisciplinary Programs.
The strategic plan and direction of CUIDS are shaped by its Board members, most of whom also serve as faculty members and professional services staff at Carleton. In addition, the Board receives input from an Industrial Advisory Committee, established in 2016, and several corporate members — a group that includes high-tech giants IBM and Shopify.
Since it was established, CUIDS has rapidly expanded its membership. Though its roots are in Computer Science, the data science collective at Carleton now spans more than 10 departments and encompasses over 170 researchers — including faculty members, graduate students, postdoctoral students and research associates — who are working on projects involving big data.
Collaborative Master’s in Data Science
Graduate studies in Data Science is a burgeoning enterprise for CUIDS. The Specialization in Data Science is now an option for students in many different Master’s programs, including computer science, economics, business, communication, geography, health sciences, and engineering. The Specialization has accepted 40 new students annually since 2013, but due to ever-increasing demand, CUIDS will be accepting more than 130 students in the fall of 2022. Several new faculty join CUIDS every year, and very recently we launched a new technical Master’s and PhD program in Data Science and Analytics.
Events and Activities
During the school year, CUIDS is proud to offer a Distinguished Speaker Seminar Series, consisting of bi-weekly technical workshops on a variety of topics related to data science and analytics. Seminars are promoted on our website, and we welcome anyone with interests in data science and analytics to attend.
In early spring, CUIDS hosts its annual Data Day conference at Carleton University to celebrate the latest developments in data science research and bring together aspiring and professional data science researchers and practitioners. The event features a student poster competition, panel discussion, keynote address, short presentations, an exhibition and a speed networking session.
We also collaborate with organizations that express interest in recruiting our current and graduated students. Our job board serves as an excellent resource for those seeking professional, co-op or internship opportunities.
Location
In 2018, CUIDS claimed its own space on campus. The 5400-wing of Herzberg Laboratories, a modern addition to the long-established science building, is now occupied by several key CUIDS faculty members. Overlooking the Rideau River, the CUIDS facility features two state-of-the-art computer labs for Data Science students, two conference rooms, and additional meeting space for collaborating professors to share and develop their research in data science.
Join Our Growing Community
Our big data community now extends to organizations and individuals from the public, business and industry sectors. If you have interests in data science or related fields, we encourage you to get involved by joining our mailing list, attending a seminar or considering our graduate program. Please contact us for more information.