AUB Stanford Women in Data Science Conference to encourage female participation in data science across the region

Dubai, 2 February 2017 – With a recent McKinsey report stating global demand for data science specialists is expected to reach 1.5 million full-time professionals by 2018, SAS - the leader in analytics software and services - is striving to help enhance the pool of leading female data science professionals working across the Middle East region via a marquee association with the American University of Beirut (AUB) Stanford Women in Data Science Conference (WiDS) 2017 on 3 February.

One of the world’s fastest growing interdisciplinary fields of work, Data Science enables professionals across various industries and sectors to develop innovative, value-adding and sustainable activities.

The objective of the WiDS 2017 conference is to support, educate and inspire female statisticians, biostatisticians and data scientists by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and a discussion on modern, cutting-edge research. The one-day event will also recognize successful female professionals’ notable achievements in the Data Science field.

“At SAS, we recognize the significant contributions and potential of women in the field of data science and we strive to support progressive initiatives that encourage the development of local regional talent,” said Marcel Yammine, General Manager, Gulf & Emerging Markets at SAS.

SAS expert, Naile Bafli, a guest speaker at the conference, added: “WiDS 2017 will motivate and educate the women in the region and support them to grow their influence in the data science field. Having worked in the field of analytics for years and across several industries, I actively encourage more women to become involved in the world of data science.”

Furthermore, the AUB Stanford Women in Data Science Conference will create a platform to explore the ways in which both women and businesses can be empowered to contribute the latest Data Science research and practices in the Arab Middle East towards global business solutions. 

Other key speakers at the conference will include representatives from Google, AUB, The Nawaya Network and Markelligent. The conference will be live-streamed in several countries across the region and will be held as an annual conference, which will take place in Dubai next year.

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© Press Release 2017