Data Innovation centre The Data Lab  and recruitment specialist MBN Solutions hosted Data Scientist 2.0 last week, an event which encourages new graduates and seasoned techies into analytics through success stories, awards, and workshops.

The event welcomed around 300 delegates from various data-driven institutions, including Kinross High School and NHS Services Scotland. The aim of Data Scientist 2.0 and The Data Lab itself is to encourage potential entrées into the ever-burgeoning field of data analytics.

The discussions of the day centred on just that – the ubiquitous nature of data. Success stories from those involved were highlighted during The Data Lab Project Awards, which recognised some of the talent emerging from The Data Lab. These included a project which used CO2 mapping to find the best bus routes and pollution-filled zones in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Data Lab also commited to a diverse range of opportunities, noting its related offerings of hackathons and networking events.

One highlight of the event was a live panel discussion between some heavyweight names in data analytics, including representatives from global finance firm Morgan Stanley, Glasgow City Council and blockchain accelerators Wallet.Services.

Jenny O’Hagan from GCC noted the opportunity to use data gathering as a force for good, but stressed the need for collaboration between SMEs, students and interns to make connections as early as possible.

The day ended with a talk from Robin Huggins, Head of Business Development at MBN Solutions. He outlined his concept of ‘lost souls’ – persons who gathered experience relevant to data analytics but did not enter the field because they are unaware of its relevance. He stressed the need therefore for a proactive approach to getting potential entrants into data analytics. Robin said: “I have a vision where employers and universities work in tandem, where course leaders introduce themselves to people in business, where people sit down for coffees, and talk to those lost souls.”

“It’s really important for businesses to reach out to universities and ask, ‘what can I do?’ Formalise that relationship through the variety of placement and internship opportunities that are available. There are alternatives, but you need to make it happen. For academics, do exactly the same thing: look at the businesses that are located around your organisation, look at where students go to work after they finish their course, and make the first move.”

The Data Lab’s next event is Venturefest Scotland 2017, taking place on Wednesday 20^th September at the Glasgow Science Centre. The summit is designed to encourage growth in SMEs and early-stage companies through leading advice and business networking.