About

The development of data science as a distinct field of research and education has been propelled by the exponential growth in both, quantity and complexity of data, not just in the sciences, but in all domains of life. Even as the exact nature or definition of data science continues to evolve, the novel techniques originating in the field have already begun to make a deep impact in natural sciences ranging from single-cell biology to astronomy, in social sciences, in public health, as well as in industrial applications.

 

The department envisions a synthesis of the three foundations of data science: (i) statistics and probability, (ii) applied mathematics, and (iii) computer science. It naturally builds on the existing core strengths of IISER Pune in basic sciences and humanities. The department focuses on a three-tiered strategy of education, research, and innovation, for developing capacity in theoretical underpinnings, development of new methods, and a variety of applications. It seeks to cultivate collaborations not only with other departments in the institute but also more widely, including industry.

 

News and Announcements

 

Education

The undergraduate education in data science at IISER will be aligned with the above broad view. It will enable the students to contribute to and benefit from the tremendous opportunities opened up by this new field. The rigorous academic BS-MS programme in data science will aim at developing data acumen: the ability to interpret & explore data, to understand the problem at hand, and to use/develop models & methods to effectively solve it. The key skills the department hopes to impart are (1) statistical and computational thinking; (2) data representation/integration; and (3) communication and ethics.

 

Research

Research in the department spans across the theoretical and applied aspects of data science. Some specific areas of interest are data assimilation in earth sciences and dynamical systems; mathematical modeling of complex phenomena such as the monsoons; statistical algorithms to understand biological processes from high-throughput data; and machine learning for healthcare and clinical outcomes.

 

IISER Pune is also actively seeking to expand in the areas of artificial intelligence & machine learning, optimisation, statistical methods & theory across the disciplines of computer science, mathematics, and statistics. The department aims to develop applications of data science in three broad areas: DS for scientific discovery; DS for social good; DS for innovation and industry.

 

The faculty of the data science department work closely with a core group of faculty members from other departments of IISER Pune in the development of the department. In addition, the department frequently consults members of its International Advisory Committee:

(1) Prof R. Karandikar, Chennai Mathematical Institute;

(2) Prof. Madhav Marathe, University of Virginia;

(3) Anand Deshpande, Persistent Systems;

(4) Dr Mukund Sundararajan, Google.

Associated Faculty

Following faculty members, drawn from other departments at IISER Pune have research interests in data science: