Researchers from Peru and Brazil from TGHN LAC meet at Fiocruz to discuss data science topics
Between May 6th and 10th, data analyst from the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) in Lima, Peru, Selene Salas, was at Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro through The Global Health Network Latin America and the Caribbean (TGHN LAC) consortium, with the objective of getting to know some of Fiocruz's data science projects and researchers.
Immersion in data science research at Fiocruz
The representative participated in meetings with Brazilian researchers. The coordinator of the Program of Scientific Computation (PROCC), Ernesto Caffarena, was responsible for the analyst's interaction with other prominent professionals from Fiocruz. "Selene had contact with some of the main names in data science at Fiocruz, such as the Coordination of Information and Communication (Cinco) team, professionals from the Health Information Laboratory (LIS) of the Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information (Icict), and PROCC itself. Selene also participated in a data science training workshop."
"From the first day I arrived, I was able to observe the great development in terms of data integrity, modeling, and analysis (at Fiocruz). Being able to talk to each member allowed me to see how their work methodologies develop," said Selene.
"During the visit, Selene was able to delve into some topics of interest to her institution, related to the processing and handling of large volumes of data (big data), as well as visualization, storage, and data usage," explained Caffarena.
Open repository of science and data for research at Fiocruz
In the meeting with the Cinco team, Selene learned more about Fiocruz's Open Science area. The information and communication coordinator, Vanessa Jorge, and her team explained that Open Science proposes structural changes in the production, organization, exchange, and reuse of scientific knowledge.
The team also presented other initiatives in the area, such as the Fiocruz Observatory of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health and Arca dados, a repository where researchers can store and decide how to use the collected data.
Visit to the Castle and exchange with LIS/Icict professionals
On the second day, May 7th, Selene visited the Fiocruz Castle, talked to PROCC researcher Oswaldo Cruz, and researchers from the Health Information Laboratory (LIS) of the Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication in Health (Icict), Renata Gracie, Diego Ricardo. Xavier, Christovam Barcellos, Jefferson da Costa Lima, and Vincent Dupont. "Observing the projects developed in the LIS of Icict, I perceive the same line of work in promoting open data and the development of automated visual platforms for the description of various pathologies or events that occur in Brazil," commented the data analyst.
Conversation circle with PROCC - initiatives and challenges of data analysis
On Wednesday, May 8th, Selene met with a group from PROCC to exchange experiences in the area. Researchers Ernesto Caffarena, Marcelo Gomes, Claudia Codeço, Fabrício Alves, and Antonio Pacheco, Fiocruz project manager at TGHN LAC, Flávia Bueno, as well as its data coordinator, Larissa Marques, and research assistants from the consortium, Laís Araujo and Letícia Marinho, participated in a conversation about initiatives and challenges within research data analysis.
"I identified a lot with PROCC's research. From data integration with the linkage algorithm, the development of observatories (taking into account predictive models with information from previous data) to the development of the Epidemiological Intelligence Center under the supervision of PhD. Oswaldo G. Cruz. The models are not only biostatistical, but also mathematical and computational, which allows for updated data for monitoring and predictability in decision-making," highlighted Salas.
Modular training program in data science at Fiocruz
Some of Fiocruz's experts in the field of data science met on May 9th and 10th for the workshop planning the modular training program in data science and health information for the Unified Health System (SUS). Larissa Marques and the Peruvian analyst participated in the workshop organized by the Fiocruz Virtual Campus.
"Being able to bring an external researcher who is part of TGHN LAC to this planning moment demonstrates how much the Foundation cares about diversity in its training program, in addition to listening to and incorporating different experiences within data science. It is an important exchange because for Peru, it is also an opportunity to contact Brazilian professionals who can contribute to some of the different training topics in Peru," explained Marques. On the occasion, Selene also met with Fiocruz's Vice President of Education, Information, and Communication, Cristiani Machado, during a breakfast at the workshop.
Twinning center in data science between Fiocruz and UPCH
At the end of the visit, Ernesto commented on the importance of exchanges to strengthen alliances between institutions in the Global Health Network of Latin America and the Caribbean.
"Our institutions are already partners, thanks to the TGHN LAC consortium. I understand that Selene's visit shows us how much we can invest in institutional cooperation, both with Hugo García and with our colleagues from the consortium, reinforcing our experience and collaborating with various researchers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean," concluded Caffarena.