Guidance

Introduction to the Data Science and Data Visualisation Accelerator programmes

Updated 8 December 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-science-accelerator-programme/introduction-to-the-data-science-accelerator-programme

The Data Science Accelerator is a capability-building programme that gives analysts from across the public sector the opportunity to develop their data science skills. It is supported by the Government Digital Service (GDS), Office for National Statistics (ONS) Data Science Campus, the Government Office for Science and the Analysis Function.

The Data Visualisation Accelerator programme is a new programme launched in 2021. You can find information about it on this page, in the section called Data Visualisation Accelerator programme.

Who can take part?

The Data Science Accelerator programme is for aspiring data scientists and others with an interest in developing data science skills from across the public sector, including central and local government.

Programme description

You will work on a data science project, proposed by you, over 3 months for one day a week (having this protected time is a key benefit of the programme). You will have the chance to experiment with different data science techniques and open source software.

Techniques used on the Accelerator include:

  • machine learning
  • natural language processing
  • geospatial analysis
  • advanced visualisation (like R Shiny, Leaflet and D3)

Support and resources

You will be assigned a dedicated mentor (an experienced data scientist) and also benefit from peer support from other participants in your cohort.

We can provide an unlocked MacBook Pro, so you can download software and experiment with tools you might not have access to in your current role. We also have a limited number of secure laptops for projects using more sensitive data.

Changes to the programme because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

This programme will take place remotely until regional hubs reopen.

You will be encouraged to set aside one day a week to work on your project with your mentor remotely. You can agree on a weekly schedule with your mentor.

You’ll join a network of analysts across the Accelerator community and be given help with tools and techniques that help you work remotely, like agile planning and GitHub.

Cost

This programme is free, but you will need agreement from your line manager for the time spent on the programme.

Programme dates

Cohort 20 of the Data Science Accelerator will run from 7 April 2022 to 23 June 2022.

Applications will be open from 10 January 2022 to 4 February 2022.

Entry requirements

Your line manager and a senior manager (usually a Head of Profession or equivalent) must agree that:

  • your project tackles a business problem
  • you have access to the data you’ll need for your project
  • you can commit to working 1 day per week for 3 months on your project

Coding experience is useful but not essential.

Location

You will be assigned a regional hub representative who will help you connect with participants in your area.

We have regional hubs in:

  • London
  • Manchester
  • Newport
  • Sheffield
  • Taunton

Add details of your preferred location to your application form.

How to apply

You’ll need:

  • a project proposal
  • an explanation of what you hope to gain from taking part
  • a statement of support from your Head of Profession or equivalent

To apply for the Data Science Accelerator, download and complete the Data Science Accelerator programme application form (ODT, 14.1KB) and send it to data.science.accelerator@ons.gov.uk.

Information on applying for the Data Visualisation Accelerator programme is below.

Applications will be reviewed and sifted based on form responses. We can offer places to the best scoring applications, up to the number of mentors available for the respective cohort.

Data Visualisation Accelerator programme

This branch of the Accelerator is for analytical roles and others with an interest in developing data visualisation skills from across the public sector, including central and local government.

Cohort 2 of the Data Visualisation Accelerator will run from 14 April 2022 to 30 June 2022.

You will work on a data visualisation project, proposed by you, over 3 months for one day a week. You will have the support of an experienced mentor throughout this time. You will have the opportunity to experiment with different visualisation techniques and open source software.

Techniques used could include:

  • static visualisation (using ggplot2, matplotlib, seaborn)
  • geospatial visualisation (using shapefiles, rasters, lidar, leaflet)
  • interactive visualisation (like R Shiny, Python Dash, Leaflet and D3, network analysis)

Applications will be open from 17 January 2022 to 11 February 2022. To apply, download and complete the Data Visualisation Accelerator programme application form (ODT, 13.6KB) and send it to data.science.accelerator@ons.gov.uk.

Contact the programme

If you have any questions about the Accelerator or you’re interested in becoming a mentor on the programme, email data.science.accelerator@ons.gov.uk. You can also read about how we handle your personal data.

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