Empowering Researchers with Foundational Computing Skills: Join the Upcoming Carpentries Workshop

In today’s fast-paced research environment, the ability to harness computational tools effectively can make a world of difference. Whether you’re managing data or automating tasks, having the right skills can significantly streamline your work. That’s where The Carpentries come in — a global initiative comprising the Software Carpentry, Data Carpentry, and Library Carpentry communities. These communities are dedicated to equipping researchers with essential computational and data science skills, helping them to work smarter, not harder.

If you’re eager to enhance your research toolkit, mark your calendar for November 21-22, 2024. The Carpentries will be hosting a hands-on Software Carpentry workshop at Kopernikusstraße 6, 52074 Aachen. This workshop is designed specifically for graduate students and researchers, with priority registration for those affiliated with the DKZ.2R region and the NFDI4Microbiota consortium, though all interested parties are welcome.

When and Where

This will be an in-person workshop, allowing participants to engage directly with instructors and peers. The workshop will be conducted in English. At this time there is no plan to offer a remote option.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided for all participants. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please indicate them in the registration form.

What You’ll Learn

This introductory workshop focuses on programming with Python, perfect for those with little to no prior experience. Over the course of two days, participants will dive into key concepts and tools, such as:

• Setting up and installing Python: Learn how to install Python on your system and run both scripts and jupyter notebooks
• Scalar Variables and Calculations: Learn to write programs that assign scalar values to variables and perform calculations with those values.
• Data Types and Conversions: Understand the different data types in Python and how to convert between them.
• Python’s Built-in Functions and Help: Discover how to use Python’s built-in functions effectively and access help within the Python environment.
• DataFrames with Pandas: Learn how to read tabular data into DataFrames using the powerful Pandas library.
• Plotting with Matplotlib: Get hands-on experience in creating visualizations using the Matplotlib library.
• For Loops: Master the use of loops to iterate over data and automate repetitive tasks.
• Lists: Explore how to use lists for storing and manipulating collections of data.
• Conditionals: Understand how to implement decision-making in your programs using conditional statements.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid foundation to apply these skills to your own research challenges.

Why Attend?

This is more than just a workshop — it’s a community. Participants are encouraged to help one another, fostering a collaborative learning environment. You’ll also have access to a wealth of resources, including the Glosario multilingual glossary, which helps break down computational jargon into understandable terms in your native language.

Registration Details

You can register for the workshop by filling out the following registration form. (If you don’t see anything here, your ad blocker may be preventing the form from loading. You can also access the form directly HERE.)

Registration is open to all interested parties, with priority given to those affiliated with the DKZ.2R region and the NFDI4Microbiota consortium. The workshop is free of charge for all participants.

We have a limited number of spots available. In the event that we are unable to accommodate all registrants, we will inform you via e-mail and add you to a waiting list for a potential future workshop.

Workshop Schedule and Additional Details

Additional details, including the workshop schedule and software requirements, can be found on the workshops carpentries page.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

We are committed to making this workshop accessible to everyone. The venue is fully wheelchair and scooter accessible, with available accessible restrooms. We strive to create an inclusive environment and encourage participants to share any specific needs to ensure the best possible experience. Accommodations can be requested through our accommodation form.

Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your research capabilities and join a vibrant community of learners and educators. Register today and take the first step toward a more efficient and effective research process!

Additional Information & Questions

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at info [at] dkz2r.de