Members of the Population Data Science Summer Internship Programme were given an insight into how research can inform policymaking and the workings of the Parliament in Wales.
During a visit hosted by ADR Wales, the group of interns visited the Senedd Cymru the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff Bay, to hear how Ministers operate within the Welsh Parliament, how decisions are made within Wales for Wales and the history of the iconic building.
The group were later offered a rare insight into how research, such as the projects that they are currently working on, can inform policymaking within Wales. Taking place at Welsh Government offices in Cathays Park, Cardiff, the group met with civil servants from across several disciplines to better understand the role that research can play and the role of data and data scientists within the civil service.
Speaking following the visit, Lauren Hill, who has joined the Population Data Science Summer Internship this summer said: “I was grateful for this trip, it gave me valuable insight into the everyday life of a data scientist and how academic research affects government policy. Not only did this trip give me vital information on how to pursue a career in Welsh Government, but it also gave me the information I needed to reflect on how I can use the skills that I have acquired to help my community in new and innovative ways.”
Population Data Science Summer Intern Thomas Fricker: “The depth of information and insight the tour provided was eye-opening. I was inspired by the data scientists that we met and the real-world impact of their work. As a second year student, the experience was invaluable in helping me understand my career path options, thank you for the amazing opportunity.”
Faye Gracey, ADR Wales’ Head of Data Acquisition and Linking for Research within Welsh Government said: “The Welsh Government are increasingly calling upon the skills and insight of data scientists and data driven research to provide understanding and innovation to the work that we carry out. We are delighted to have been able to showcase the exciting and diverse career opportunities available within the civil service. We hope that this has helped to inspire the Population Data Science Summer Interns as they prepare for their future careers. We wish you the very best of luck.”
Programme Director Professor Ashley Akbari said: “Providing real-world experience, insights and opportunities to best prepare our interns for their future careers is at the heart of the Population Data Science summer internship programme. We’re delighted to have been able to incorporate this opportunity into this year’s programme. For research to fulfil its potential, it must be clear on how, why and where its findings can add to the evidence base, with the integration of members of the public, services users and those who deliver the services and policymakers key to ensuring the project inform and maximise value and impact. We hope that today’s visit will have helped our interns understand the power of good research and the part that they can play in helping to shape evidence and policy.”
The Population Data Science summer internship focuses on providing real-world project experience to students interested in all aspects of data science research. The 16 interns are working across research investments based in Swansea University’s Data Science Building. The Population Data Science summer internship programme has grown from strength to strength, with the successful candidates beating off competition from over 750 applicants for this year’s places.
For further information on the Population Data Science Summer Internship and to follow the progress of all the 2024 interns, click here.