KPMG to sponsor UK Data Science Summer School to satisfy demand for data scientists in finance, retail, tech and media

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: KPMG to sponsor UK Data Science Summer School to satisfy demand for data scientists in finance, retail, tech and media.

KPMG in the UK has announced a sponsorship deal with pivigo academy, the organisers of the first Data Science Summer School in the UK, a new pioneering project which aims to recruit 100 of Europe’s brightest PhD students and turn them into data scientists during a 5 week intensive course.

The project dubbed S2DS (Science to Data Science) is the brainchild of Kim Nilsson, a Swedish astrophysicist who has experienced first-hand the difficulties many highly qualified academics encounter once they set out to find a job in the commercial sector.  She is also highly aware of the huge demand for data scientists by businesses in the UK and worldwide, particularly in the financial services, retail as well as media and technology sectors. Data science has often been called the ‘sexiest profession’ of the future and the aim of S2DS is to build a pipeline of talent in the Data & Analytics space in order to plug the huge talent gap which currently exists.

In recent months KPMG has bolstered its D&A offering considerably. Last year the firm set up KPMG Capital*, a global investment fund that will invest primarily in Data & Analytics businesses. In January the firm announced its partnership with the Chelsea Apps Factory, one of the UK’s leading technology firms specialising in the design and production of Mobile Enterprise Apps (EMA’s) as part of its Digital Innovation Network, which aims to bring together KPMG’s industry knowledge and experience with the creativity and design skills of early stage start- up companies. The partnership with pivigo academy is the next logical step in this strategy.

Alwin Magimay, Head of Data & Analytics at KPMG comments: “Data science will change the way we live, work and interact with others. It presents a real opportunity for business to drive insight and value from the abundance of data being created in the digital world. We are only at the very beginning of this revolution and KPMG wants to be at the forefront of it. We are already supporting a variety of early stage companies in that space through our Digital Innovation Network. I am really passionate about this new partnership which will help to create a much needed data and analytics pool in the UK, and will be inviting clients to participate in this innovative programme.”
 
Kim Nilsson, Founder and Head of pivigo comments: “We are very excited about the changes and advantages that data science will bring to society, and passionate about supporting the efforts of UK companies exploring data business cases. We are also huge fans of the sort of skills that PhDs bring to jobs in industry, and S2DS is our answer to the needs of both of these groups. It is a win-win situation where companies have a chance to interact with the brightest minds in Europe, and PhDs get commercial experience.

“We believe that Data Science is an incredibly exciting career for anyone going into it. Those launching their careers now will help shape the industry, and our students will be spearheading the data revolution in Europe for decades to come.  KPMG is a dream partner for us to have. It’s a highly innovative firm with a long track-record of excellence in Data & Analytics and we are confident that with the support through this partnership S2DS 2014 will be a success both for our students and our other partner companies.”

Candidates with a PhD in analytical science (or similar degree) and a proven data analysis background and statistical knowledge can now apply via www.s2ds.org. Courses will begin in August. Successful applicants will pay only a small registration fee and are eligible for free single room ensuite student accommodation.