Two Turing Fellows awarded first No.10 Data Science Fellowships

Thursday 18 Nov 2021

Today, Thursday 18 November, The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Administrative Data Research (ADR UK) announced the first No.10 Data Science Fellowships.

We are delighted that these prestigious new fellowships have been awarded to two Turing Fellows, Dr. Robin Lovelace, University of Leeds, and Dr Federico Botta, University of Exeter. Dr Lovelace and Dr Botta will spend a year collaborating with 10 Downing Street’s data science team (10DS) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS). They will co-design research and produce analysis using new and existing linked administrative datasets to inform policy.

The Fellows will also champion data science across central government and help strengthen important engagement between government and academia in the UK. Their work will use cutting edge methods to help inform decision making on the most pressing policy problems of our time and support wider knowledge exchange with researchers on effective policy collaboration and data analysis. They will work closely with 10DS and ONS’ Data Science Campus to formulate research projects before starting their secondment on 1 January 2022.

Dr Robin Lovelace

Dr Lovelace said of the fellowship “This is a unique opportunity to support more evidence-based, data-driven  and participatory decision making processes at the highest  levels. The Fellowship will allow me to make the best use of my expertise to support the needs of central government.”

“My skills are well-suited to support the government in harnessing the power of data science to tackle pressing policy objectives, including decarbonisation and the government's levelling-up agenda.”

Dr Federico Botta

Dr Botta said “I am really excited to collaborate with the 10 Downing Street’s Data Science Team and the ONS Data Science Campus on this fellowship.

“This will be a outstanding opportunity to use cutting edge data science to support the design and evidence base of government policies. I’m really looking forward to working on key policy challenges and using data science for the public good.”