Leading Minds Convene: Insights from the 2nd CANSSI-NISS Health Data Science Workshop

Waterloo, Canada  - August 4, 2023

In a remarkable display of interdisciplinary synergy, statisticians and health data scientists united at the 2nd CANSSI-NISS Health Data Science Workshop held on August 3-4, 2023, at the University of Waterloo. This event served as a vibrant platform for the convergence of minds from both sides of the border, with participants hailing from the United States and Canada, all driven by a common goal: advancing the frontiers of biological, medical, and public health research through the lens of data science. NISS gives a huge thank you to the University of Waterloo for hosting and facilitating the enlightening workshop and all the staff that made the incredible event possible!

The workshop, which spanned two enlightening days, was a testament to the potency of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Fueled by a shared ambition to forge the modern edifice of Health Data Science, experts from diverse backgrounds came together to deliberate upon groundbreaking approaches and novel challenges associated with the analysis of Big Data in the realm of health.

As a prelude to the workshop, two engaging short courses were conducted on August 2, 2023, within the verdant campus of the University of Waterloo. These sessions provided an exclusive opportunity for attendees to delve into the intricacies of the subject matter before the main event kicked off.

Highlights of the workshop included two captivating keynote presentations that shed light on the overarching theme of the event. Additionally, three specially curated invited sessions delved deep into the nuances of Statistical Methods for Precision Health, Causal Inference for Big Health Data, and the burgeoning intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Health Data Science.

A key feature of the workshop was the spirited poster competition, where students and emerging researchers showcased their groundbreaking work. The competition not only offered a platform for burgeoning talent to shine but also enriched the scientific discourse with fresh perspectives and innovative methodologies.

The culmination of the first day saw participants gather for a grand banquet and dinner, fostering an atmosphere conducive to networking, idea exchange, and the forging of lifelong professional connections.

Remarkably, this workshop unfolded just days before the commencement of JSM 2023 in Toronto, Canada, further underscoring the prominence of this region as a hub for scientific discourse and innovation. With a mere 1-hour and 30-minute train journey between the University of Waterloo and Toronto, and a convenient hour's commute from the Toronto Pearson Airport, attendees had seamless access to two marquee events in the realm of data science and statistics.

The 2nd CANSSI-NISS Health Data Science Workshop stood as a testament to the transformative potential of collaborative efforts. As the embers of this year's gathering continue to smolder, the torch of innovation and interdisciplinarity has been unequivocally passed on, promising an even brighter future for the burgeoning field of Health Data Science.

Thursday, August 3, 2023 by Megan Glenn