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Banda Aceh, January 28 2024- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Syiah Kuala University (USK), and Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Thailand, collaborated to organize the “Tuberculosis Workshop: Data Science for Tuberculosis Research.” This workshop aims to improve Tuberculosis (TB) data analysis skills for young researchers, highlighting data science analysis techniques as an alternative in estimating and predicting the TB situation in the future, in line with efforts to eradicate the disease.
This workshop will last for three days, from 29 to 31 January 2024, at the Hermes Palace Hotel, Banda Aceh City, Aceh, Indonesia. The workshop activities were fully supported by both parties and funded by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) No. D43TW009522. The event schedule includes the delivery of theoretical and practical material to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of using Data Science methods in Tuberculosis research.
Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Syiah Kuala University (USK), opened the workshop by highlighting the strategic importance of this event to increase understanding and research skills of Tuberculosis (TB) among young researchers. Prof. Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong from Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand, also delivered opening remarks online, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation. The workshop opening event was attended by representatives of academics and practitioners such as the Aceh Provincial Health Service, Institute of Statistics for Socio Ecological Development (ISSED), Solusi Statistics (SoStat), and other stakeholders.
The presenters at this workshop consisted of experienced academics and researchers, including Dr. Thammasin Ingviya, Dr. Wit Wichaidit, Mr. Kanakorn Horsiritham, Mr. Wisanuwee Suriyaamorn, and Mr. Chanavee Toh from PSU, Thailand.
The success of this workshop cannot be separated from the high dedication of the lecturers who are part of the Bisotatistics Laboratory of the USK FMIPA Statistics Department, including Prof. Dr. Zurnila Marli Kesuma, S.Si., M.Sc., Latifah Rahayu Siregar, S.Si., M.Sc., Novi Reandy Sasmita, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Rumaisa Kruba, S.Si., and Dr. Selvi Mardalena, S. Stat.
The workshop participants consisted of 25 participants including students and alumni of the USK Statistics Department, along with young researchers in the health sector, who already have basic skills and experience in analyzing Tuberculosis data using open source R software.
It is known that collaboration between FMIPA USK and PSU is nothing new. Several collaboration programs have been carried out, such as student exchanges, sending alumni and lecturers for further studies to PSU, as well as research collaboration. It is hoped that through this workshop, young statistical researchers can improve their understanding and skills in Tuberculosis research, as well as have a positive impact on initiatives to prevent and control this disease, not only in Indonesia, but also in the surrounding region in the future.
