Research in big data has made great strides in the last few years since the terminology first entered our cultural lexicon. The application of data analysis and statistical modelling to every aspect of our lives is now standard practice. But researchers are coming up against new issues all the time. For example, how do we deal with new types of data, such as virtual reality? And even if we have a lot of data, how good are our predictions or insights?
Our Centre Director, Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen, has dedicated her career to “breaking open” large and diverse sets of data to help learn about problems in health, the environment, society and industry. She has worked in fields with incredible diversity, from building a national Australian cancer database to VR modelling Peruvian jaguar habitat for international conservation projects.