 Partnership boost for Durham data students Students with the ambition of becoming data professionals have received a boost today with the news that Durham University has entered into a partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which could lead to jobs for graduates. The initial three-year arrangement will see ONS staff deliver lectures and training to Masters students studying Data Science and Business Analytics, while also collaborating with PhD students on priority research projects. Recruitment events for internships and graduate jobs at the ONS are also expected. In return ONS staff will get the chance to enhance their own academic qualifications with access to MBA courses and other specialised training programmes delivered at the university. Formalising the partnership, National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said: âIn a world thatâs being driven by data itâs more important than ever that we not only inspire the next generation of data scientists and analysts, but that weâre giving them the best training and experiences possible. âIâm delighted that the ONS and Durham University have come together to make this happen in what will be a hugely beneficial partnership for everyone involved.â As well as training, the partnership will also signal greater collaboration between the ONS and Durham University in terms of research. The expertise of university academics is expected to feed into important research around economic statistics and methodology. A recent workshop, held at the university between the ONS and Durham academics, explored key areas of research within economic statistics and methodology, which will form the basis for collaborative research projects. Professor Karen OâBrien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: âDurham University produces research and graduates that transform the world. Our partnership with the ONS will further enable academic expertise to shape economic thinking and data methodology, while also providing exceptional opportunities for our students to build successful careers in data science and analytics.â ENDS Notes to Editors: - The signing took place at the Darlington Economic Campus today.
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