The 2026 Big Data Africa School commenced on October 5 in Cape Town, organized by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). This marks the sixth edition of the initiative aimed at enhancing skills in data science.
This year’s program includes 26 students from seven countries: Botswana, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, and Zambia. Participants are engaged in projects focusing on Machine and Deep Learning, as well as Novel Quantum Computing Techniques applied to Medical Imaging.
For the third year in a row, the program has achieved gender parity among its participants. The schedule is packed with introductory lectures on topics such as data science, quantum computing for medical imaging, quantum machine learning, and responsible AI. Additionally, a series of invited talks will expose students to various research opportunities within the field.
During the week, students will work on five key projects exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, quantum computing, and medical imaging. The projects include:
- Self-Explainable AI vs. Post-Hoc Explanations: Interpreting AI Decisions in Medical Image Classification
- Disparities in Demographic Performance for AI Medical Imaging Applications
- Novel Biological Insights Using Quantum Computers
- Medical Image Reconstruction: Developing Data-Driven Priors for MRI Using Generative Deep Learning
- AI/ML for Prognostic Biomarkers in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Throughout the week, students will receive guidance from mentors with expertise in artificial intelligence, medical imaging, quantum computing, and biomedical research. The final project outcomes will be presented on October 9, during which a winning project will be chosen.
For additional details, interested individuals can visit the SARAO website.
