June 29, 2020
We are currently developing two courses in the field of official statistics as part of the International Program in Survey and Data Science (IPSDS). Together with our colleagues from Destatis, Statistics Netherlands, and La Sapienza University, Rome we are working on the courses “Introduction to Official Statistics - a Reflective Approach” and “Advanced Topics in Official Statistics”. The later one will give an overview over big data in official statistics, geo-spacial data and microsimulations.
We also wish to join the EMOS network in 2021. The European Master in Official Statistics (EMOS) is a network of Master programs providing post-graduate education in the area of official statistics at the European level.
So keep your eyes out for these new courses in Fall 2020!
June 26, 2020
We were holding our first half-day online conferences this week and are very thankful that we have had such amazing speakers, interesting discussions and cutting-edge data science insights.
For the third time we were part of the global Women in Data Science movement and opened up a platform for female data scientists to exchange experiences, connect, and strengthen each other with the Women in Data Science Mannheim Conference 2020.
At Connect@IPSDS 2020, we not only discussed the role of data science career paths for industry and academia on our career panel, but also got loads of interesting insights into data work in the light of COVID-19 from Alan Smith, Financial Times, and Johannes Abeler, University of Oxford. And most importantly: We had an amazing opportunity to meet and exchange with our students and faculty.
Thanks to everybody for your contribution!
June 9, 2020
Once a year the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) honors scientists in the field of survey and public opinion research. This year, IPSDS Program Director Frauke Kreuter and IPSDS lecturer Alexander Wenz have been awarded.
In addition to the 2020 Warren J. Mitofsky Innovators Award for the International Program in Survey and Data Science, Frauke Kreuter also receives the 2020 AAPOR Book Award together with former IPSDS lecturers Richard Valliant and Jill Dever for “Practical Tools for Designing and Weighting Survey Samples”. Alexander Wenz and his colleagues win the 2020 Burns “Bud” Roper Fellow Award which is given to junior scientists whose primary work responsibilities are related to survey research or public opinion and who have recently started their careers.
May 20, 2020
We’re thrilled to announce that we will hold Connect@IPSDS 2020 online on June 26. Following the success of the last few years, IPSDS will once again bring together leading data science experts from industry, business and science under the direction of Program Director Frauke Kreuter. In the context of the current coronavirus crisis, this year’s event will take place online and will focus on the latest research developments in data science in connection with the spread of the coronavirus.
We’re proud to present this amazing speaker line-up:
Alan Smith – Head of Visual and Data Journalism, Financial Times
Johannes Abeler – Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Oxford
Laura Marie Edinger-Schons – Professor of Corporate Social Responsibility, University of Mannheim
Katrin Redmann – Innovation Lead DACH & NextGen Innovation Hub Lead SouthWest Germany, SAP
Maarten Koomen – Data Manager, Swiss National Education Panel Survey, Transitions from Education to Employment (TREE)
May 12, 2020
The funding of the project allowed for accepting three test-cohorts (in total 48 students) who were allowed to take IPSDS courses at no costs in exchange for participation in the program evaluation. The 2020 IPSDS Assessment Report summarizes key results of the one year follow-up surveys. The report contains not only information on how the IPSDS curriculum meets the students' professional needs and how the program affects their work-life-balance, but also a large number of personal experiences and recommendations of the test students.
May 5, 2020
Curtiss Cobb (Facebook) and IPSDS Program Director Frauke Kreuter (University of Mannheim, University of Maryland, IAB) will discuss the worldwide COVID-19 Symptom Tracker Survey Facebook just launched under the leadership of Curtiss and Frauke.
Join us in our digital classroom for the digital masterclass "Conducting Rapid Surveys Worldwide – Facebook’s COVID-19 Symptom Tracker Survey" on May 15, 2020, 4 pm CEST / 10 am EDT.
The discussion will cover methodological aspects of conducting rapid surveys world-wide, challenges in adapting instruments to different cultural and language context, and opportunities to combine these data with other COVID-19 data resources.
April 23, 2020
Due to the current evolution of the coronavirus, we’ve finally decided to host WiDS Mannheim 2020 as an online event to make sure we all stay safe and healthy. The event will still take place on June 25, 2020 but we’ve slightly changed the timeline. I am attaching the updated event agenda.
We will use Zoom, a simple online conference tool, and provide the log-in link in a separate email shortly before the event.
You haven’t signed up yet? What are you waiting for?
April 21, 2020
The corona pandemic and the measures taken by the government are affecting the lives of everyone. Scientists from numerous disciplines are currently focusing their research on coronavirus-related data to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the crisis on society. This is a very practical example of the increasing importance of data science and the need to adequately educate experts in this field.
With our free webinar “Surveys in Times of Corona”, held via Zoom on April 30, 5 pm CEST / 11 am EDT, we aim to inform further research and the public as well as to provide insights into practical data work. Annelies Blom, Director of the German Internet Panel (GIP) and Professor for Data Science at the University of Mannheim, will give insights into the Mannheim Corona Study conducted by the GIP, and Raphael Nishimura, Director of Sampling Operations in Survey Research Operations at the University of Michigan, will present different corona-related research projects and provide a sampling perspective on surveys during this pandemic.
April 2, 2020
IPSDS is a graduate level online learning program in the fields of data science and measurement. Our flexible online learning environment is based on a flipped classroom model and permits students to take courses from anywhere in the world. In the past, we have repeatedly received questions about the structure and procedure of the program. We have now produced an explanatory video to give you deeper insights into the program and our students’ learning routine. Check out the video!
March 25, 2020
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re planning to catch up on WiDS Mannheim 2020 on June 25 at the University of Mannheim!
In the light of COVID-19 we need to adapt our decision making carefully every day. So far, we cannot predict clearly the evolution of COVID-19 but keep monitoring its course and impact closely. You will continue to hear regular updates from us.
For now, we’re proud to confirm this amazing speaker line up:
Julia Krönung, Professor of Information Systems, EBS Business School
Katrin Lehmann, Senior Vice President, Head of SAP Customer Innovation & Maintenance, SAP
Iris Heckmann, Principal, Camelot ITLab
Cosima Meyer, PhD candidate, Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences & Research Associate, Chair of Political Science, International Relations, University of Mannheim
Tatjana Schröder, AI Manager, trans-o-flex & Master Student, International Program in Survey and Data Science, University of Mannheim
The conference will take place on June 25, 2020, 3-7.30 pm at the University of Mannheim (B6, 26 - A101). Please check the WiDS page for more detailed information.
Register now
March 15, 2020
We are facing an increasingly challenging moment as COVID-19 has moved from an isolated and seemingly distant outbreak to a global pandemic that is now clearly among us.
At this moment, we cannot predict precisely the course and impacts of COVID-19. But as we continue to monitor it closely, guided in our decision making by the best and most current public health guidance.
For now we are still planning to hold our annual CONNECT@IPSDS and are excited to conclude the International Program in Survey and Data Science (IPSDS) on June 26-27, 2020 with an outstanding Data Science Conference – CONNECT@IPSDS 2020!
This year, you will not only have the opportunity to discuss data science career opportunities with our amazing panelists, but you can also enjoy learning about Causal Inference and Design Thinking Methods for Data Collection and Analysis in our workshops. In addition, you will have the chance to catch on the latest developments in the fields of data science and digital transformation.
We’re proud to present this amazing speaker line-up:
Elizabeth Stuart, Professor in the Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hilary Parker, Data Scientist, Stitch Fix
Matthias Schmitt, Founder, Germinio GmbH
Katrin Redmann, Innovation Lead DACH & NextGen Innovation Hub Lead SouthWest Germany, SAP
Maarten Koomen, Data Manager, Swiss National Education Panel Survey, Transitions from Education to Employment (TREE)
When? June 26, 1.30 pm – June 27, 5 pm
Where? University of Mannheim, B6 26, A 101, 68159 Mannheim
Join us, share your experience and learn about cutting edge data science-related innovation and impact!
February 27, 2020
We’re thrilled to announce that the admission for the Mannheim Master of Applied Data Science & Measurement is open now!
The Mannheim Master of Applied Data Science & Measurement offers:
Students can choose from a wide variety of courses within all tracks. Learn from Mario Callegaro (Survey User Experience Researcher, Google UK) about Web Survey Methodology and Online Panels; explore the world of Machine Learning and Big Data with Frauke Kreuter (Professor for Social Science Research Methods, Universities of Maryland & Mannheim, Institute for Employment Research) and Trent Buskirk (Professor of Data Science, Bowling Green State University); and expand your knowledge in Privacy Law with Thomas Fetzer (Professor for Public, Regulation and Tax Law, University of Mannheim).
The tuition fee for the Mannheim Master of Applied Data Science & Measurement for the student cohort starting in 2020 is 17,000 euros (regular: 25,000 euros).
The admission process will be open until May 25, 2020.
February 21, 2020
Just in time for the start of the application phase, the Mannheim Business School is offering several live online Q&A sessions for those interested in the master program.
Register now for one of the live sessions held on:
Interested?
February 4, 2020
We are excited to launch the 3rd Women in Data Science Mannheim conference! Again, we will feature outstanding women doing outstanding work in the field of data science. We are proud to present this year’s amazing speaker line-up:
Julia Krönung, Professor of Information Systems, EBS Business School
Katrin Lehmann, Senior Vice President, Head of SAP Customer Innovation & Maintenance, SAP
Iris Heckmann, Principal, Camelot ITLab
Cosima Meyer, PhD candidate, Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences & Research Associate, Chair of Political Science, International Relations, University of Mannheim
Marielle Ehrmann, Head of Strategy & Operations Walldorf, Technology & Innovation, SAP
Tatjana Schröder, AI Manager, trans-o-flex & Master Student, International Program in Survey and Data Science, University of Mannheim
The conference will take place on March 4, 2020, 3-7.30 pm at the SAP Experience Room Walldorf. Please check the WiDS page for more detailed information.
Are you ready for WiDS Mannheim 2020?
January 29, 2020
We are excited to announce that the International Program in Survey and Data Science will be offered as “Mannheim Master of Applied Data Science & Measurement (MDM)” at the Mannheim Business School from summer 2020 on.
After a more than successful pilot phase, we are happy to leave the program trustfully in the hands of the Mannheim Business School, Germany’s most renowned Business School. A lot of things are about to change so please check the admission terms and conditions carefully before applying.
The admission process will be open from mid-February till the end of May 2020. We’ll keep you posted here and on social media.
You are interested in the Mannheim Master in Applied Data Science and Measurement?
January 26, 2020
Data storage on a large scale has become quite normal today. But it is not the governments that spy and store data, but unknown data dealers. IPSDS Program Director Frauke Kreuter and IPSDS lecturer Jörg Drechsler explain on ZDF how apps store data, who uses this data for what, and what challenges we should publicly discuss when it comes to data retention.
Watch the news broadcast here.
January 13, 2020
We’re WiDS ambassadors again! Following the last years’ success, the International Program in Survey and Data Science (IPSDS) is excited to bring this unique conference back to Mannheim. We’re proud to partner with SAP Next Gen and Stanford University again to unite local Data Science industry and academic leaders, as well as students and post-doc researchers for an exceptional one-day event.
The Women in Data Science conference aims to inspire and educate data scientists worldwide, regardless of gender, and support women in the field. This annual conference is held at Stanford University and 150+ locations worldwide.
Join us, share your experience and learn about the latest data science-related innovation and impact! We’ll keep you posted on this years’ program and speakers here and on the WiDS page.
January 9, 2020
You may be seeing a new name and face around IPSDS. It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you our newest team member Markus. Markus is our evaluation expert and will take care of research questions related to the program as well as guiding online courses. He will always have an ear for the lecturers’ and students’ concerns, and support the team in taking the IPSDS project to the next level.
We are happy to welcome you onboard, Markus!
November 11, 2019
We are excited to announce that the International Program in Survey and Data Science will now offer the opportunity to join various single courses without being enrolled in the full IPSDS program. The needs of data experts are as diverse as the fields in which they are working. With our new single course offerings, not only IPSDS students are able to even better tailor our online courses to their career paths, but also external professionals working with data can now expand their knowledge in one specific area.
Interested? Check out our single online courses.
August 20, 2019
We are excited to introduce you to our newest team member Caro! Caro will help us applying the finishing touch to the IPSDS project. She takes care of different online courses, supports students regarding their course choices and Master thesis. She also tackles research questions related to the program and learning analytics.
Welcome onboard, Caro!
May 25, 2019
We are looking forward to this year’s Connect@IPSDS event which will take place from May 31 to June 1, 2019 at the Mannheim Business School campus.
The opening on Friday will be exclusively for IPSDS students. The annual IPSDS networking session is a great opportunity for our students to come together and meet their fellow students, enjoy various workshops and participate in our career panel.
The conference on Saturday will be open to the public. You are welcome to join us for a conference dedicated to facilitating networking and information exchange in the area of survey and data science across various sectors (academia, industry, government, and non-profits).
Again, we are proud to announce an amazing speaker line-up:
Join us for Connect@IPSDS 2019!
March 26, 2019
Following success in 2018, International Program in Survey & Data Science (University of Mannheim), SAP Next Gen and GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences have been proud to partner with Stanford University to bring the WiDS conference to Mannheim.
This one-day event has united local Data Science industry and academic leaders, as well as students and post-doc researchers to share their experience and yet learn about the latest data science-related innovation and impact.
The event has featured speakers from the University of Mannheim, GESIS-Leibniz Institute for Social Sciences, SAP, Camelot ITLab, Institute for Employment Research and dm-drogerie.
The audience has been introduced to the speakers’ careers, research and specific projects in Data Science, as well as strategies and challenges that our speakers encountered as female leaders in their field.
For more details on the program and speakers, please visit the WiDS page.
April 4, 2018
Last year, IPSDS started an online Brown Bag seminar, where one of our participants presented his work project. We enjoyed such a format a lot and would like to continue organizing such meetings. Our next presenter is an external guest Maura Bardo who is a mathematical statistician at the U.S. Energy Information Administration. She will be talking about her current project, where she works on identifying and integrating alternative sources of data with the EIA survey of retail gasoline stations (see an abstract and bio below).
Title: Linking a Retail Gasoline Price Survey with Commercial Data
Maura Bardos (Energy Information Administration), Amerine Woodyard (Energy Information Administration), Jeramiah Yeksavich (Energy Information Administration)
Abstract:
As a part of ongoing modernization efforts, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is conducting research on utilizing third-party sources to supplement publicly available data. EIA is uniquely situated since a number of its surveys collect information that is also compiled and sold by commercial vendors. These commercial vendors can provide almost real-time frequency of data that when linked with surveys, have the potential to reduce respondent burden and enhance data products. However, much is unknown about vendor’s sector visibility, data definitions, processing, and data quality. This study examines an example of integrating of survey and commercial records for a weekly business survey.
The Motor Gasoline Price Survey (EIA-878) is a weekly mandatory survey of about 800 retail gasoline stations across the country. The data collected are used to create point-in-time estimates of gasoline prices at the national, regional, and selected state and city levels by grade and formulation, resulting in 276 published price estimates. Data collection, processing, and dissemination are completed within the same day. In summer 2017, EIA obtained two commercial sources of gasoline price data for research purposes. EIA purchased price data from a commercial vendor for about 110,000 stations. We also created a tool to obtain gas prices via a crowdsourced website.
We use geospatial analysis to match survey data at the station-level to commercial records and present descriptive statistics on linkage rates, availability of prices, and data quality for the commercial sources. Using the matched file, we compute estimates by city, state, and region over time and analyze the congruence between the EIA-878 and commercial sources. Based on this research, we provide an assessment of the extent to which commercial sources could be incorporated into the EIA-878. We conclude with a discussion of implications for future efforts to integrate survey and commercial datasets.
Bio:
Maura Bardos joined the Office of Survey Development and Statistical Integration at the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in 2016 as a Mathematical Statistician. In this role, she focuses on statistical methods for petroleum and natural gas projects. The work presented today is one component of a larger redesign of the motor gasoline price survey, which includes frame research, sample design, and statistical systems development. Prior to EIA, Maura held roles at Mathematica Policy Research, Abt SRBI, and the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. She is a graduate of the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology.
March 1, 2018
The conference aims to inspire and educate data scientists worldwide, regardless of gender, and support women in the field. This annual conference is held at Stanford University and 100+ locations worldwide. This year, WiDS will also take place in Mannheim, organized by the International Program in Survey and Data Science (IPSDS) with the support of P3 and Mannheim Business School. The event will take place on March 8, 2018.
For more details on the program and speakers, please visit the WiDS page.
October 21, 2017
We are pleased to announce that the application process to join the 3rd cohort of the International Program in Survey and Data Science (IPSDS) is now open.
The International Program in Survey and Data Science is a joint program offered through the University of Mannheim and the Joint Program in Survey Methodology - a consortium of the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan, and Westat.
The IPSDS offers:
The program is currently funded by a grant from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the initiative “Aufstieg durch Bildung: offene Hochschulen.” Due to the funding, participation in the program until February 2019 is tuition-free.
All relevant information about the admission process can be found at: http://survey-data-science.net/program/admission.
Please note that we will hold a live online Q&A-session on:
You can sign up for the Q&A by sending an email to ipsds@uni-mannheim.de.
September 29, 2017
While most data science programs focus their curricula on the areas of computer science and statistics, IPSDS takes it a step further. The program's curriculum adds to these key areas expertise in data collection and data quality. The international program is designed to educate data experts to draw insights from both designed data (collected via surveys) and organic data (aka “found data” or “big data”). Combining survey and big data is becoming a regular practice in leading organizations as well as research.
IPSDS' contribution to training leading data experts did not go unnoticed by Facebook. Each year Facebook acknowledges 40 top professors worldwide in disciplines that have particular relevance for Facebook. Frauke Kreuter - the project leader and faculty member - was awarded with the Facebook Faculty Research Award. As a company working with different data sources (last year Facebook surveyed 200 million people), Facebook recognizes the need of high-quality innovative approaches to train data experts.