Tuesday 19th March saw the gathering of researchers in UCD for the inaugural iCRAG Datathon.
The goal of the datathon was to create engagement between experts in data analytics, AI and machine learning and domain specialists in the Earth sciences. Taking place across one day the workshop promoted knowledge exchange between the groups with the aim of generating ideas and collaborations.
Activities that took place included talks on how counterfactuals can be used to improve predictive models for disruptive weather events, how machine learning can contribute to modelling radon using topsoil geochemistry and the use of artificial intelligence in peatland monitoring.
Speaking at the event co-corganiser Dr Claire Geel said: “We were thrilled to see the level of interest in the Datathon which gathered experts from across many fields of expertise together in UCD. Our speakers covered a wide range of topics, highlighting the importance of using machine learning techniques across many earth science domains and ultimately the need for more cross collaboration.”
Co-organiser Dr Chris Burbidge remarked: “This meeting was an ideal way for our data science and geoscience communities to get to know each other. We will build on the research collaborations this initiates to develop future Datathons.”