About us
Founded in 2017, the Liverpool Big Data Science (LIV.DAT) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) quickly established itself as a hub for training students in managing, analysing, and interpreting large, complex datasets and high rates of data flow.
The amount of digital data that existed in the world grew at a rapid rate. In recent years, there was a dramatic increase in data across many fields of science and engineering, due to advancements in sensors, mobile devices, biotechnology, digital communication, and internet applications. Data was generated continuously from multiple sources by companies, users, and devices at a huge velocity, volume, and variety.
Big data referred to data so large that it could not be processed using traditional applications. Although significant computer technology existed, new skills were needed to fully understand the power of Big Data. Very little targeted training was provided to address a growing skills gap in this area.
The Centre featured a unique training approach that addressed some of the biggest challenges in data-intensive science, aiming to tackle the growing skills gap in this important area. Between 2017 and 2021, 37 students joined the Centre, recruited from all over the world, keeping LIV.DAT one of the largest CDTs in the country.
The training centre was supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and hosted by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University / Astrophysics Research Institute.
The CDT offered a comprehensive training in data intensive science through cutting edge research projects and a targeted academic training programme, complemented by secondments to national and international partners.
It also capitalised on the Liverpool Big Data Network (LBDN), an initiative set up in 2013 in response to Big Data being one of the 'Eight Great technologies'. As well as providing a focus for relevant existing MSc provision, LBDN now comprises some 100 academics drawn from many different academic disciplines and united by a common interest in developing and applying Big Data.
LIV.DAT is no longer recruiting new students. A new CDT called LIV.INNO has been awarded funding and this CDT will continue and build on the work of LIV.DAT for many more years.