Getting Started

There is widespread misunderstanding about the practical adoption of Machine Learning.

The premise behind the fireside chats is to bridge the gap between the technical and strategic implications of ML by inviting experts who will share their experiences.

In the world where every organisation feels urgency to consider machine learning to leverage the value from data, the practitioners are still divided. Is the commitment strong enough and can we bring real value and deliver upon the promise?

This time, BBC Blue Room will gather around the fireplace and explore the ingredients of successful implementation of machine learning programmes across the private and public sector. We will discuss why, when and how to get started. Among our speakers we have:

Simon Raper is an RSS accredited statistician with over 15 years’ experience working in data science and many more in coding and software development. In 2014 he founded Coppelia Machine Learning and Analytics and has clients such as Sainsbury's, Direct Line Group, The Telegraph, Black Swan, Citizen's Advice and Net-a-Porter. Previously he ran data teams at Channel 4, News UK and Mindshare where he worked with McDonalds, Unilever and Jaguar. He writes articles on Applied Statistics for Significance magazine and his blog on machine learning and statistics has attracted over half a million visits.

Giles Pavey is Head of Data Strategy at the Department for Work and Pensions. Previously he was Chief Data Scientist at dunnhumby Ltd, leading analytics on Tesco ClubCard data.
Giles is Honorary Professor of Computer Science at UCL where he lectures and supervises research. He is also visiting Fellow in Industrial Mathematics at Oxford

Dr. Shahzia Holtom is currently leading the data science team at Pivotal Labs which is a Silicon Valley based company. Her experience lies in putting data science in to production through extreme programming and agile practices. Shahzia has previously worked as one of the first data scientist in the UK Government where she championed the use of data science for evidence based policy making.
Shahzia holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Oxford and has also trained as a Software Engineer.

We will start with some food and drinks, then a hosted discussion followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Registration begins from 18:30 for a prompt 19:00 start – food and drinks will be provided from 18:30pm.

Please make sure you RSVP as you will NOT be able to attend without confirmation. Please use your real (and full) names to sign up! This is crucial, so please help our security guards have an easier life. You will also need to bring some form of ID to be able to enter the BBC offices and please expect your bag to be checked on arrival.

Due to the size of the space, we can only accommodate 80 people, so if you have RSVP’d yes but cannot make it, please open up your space to someone else.

See you there!