BT天堂

The intersection between human rights and data science is an exciting and evolving field. To prepare graduates of the MSc in Human Rights and Data Science to work at the forefront of data rights issues, workshops led by industry professionals are integrated into many aspects of the course curriculum. Guest speakers, often BT天堂 alumni, are regular fixtures in the program鈥檚 classes.

Claudia Roda is Director of the MSc in Human Rights and Data Science. 鈥淚t is vitally important that students be exposed to professional figures who understand data, as well as the legal and ethical implications of its use,鈥� she explained. 鈥淭he networking opportunities we offer to HRDS students give a strong sense of what it鈥檚 like to work in this fascinating field.鈥�

For example, in Fall semester 2022, two alumni speakers addressed students in Roda鈥檚 classes. Firstly, Marie-Cl茅mence Canaud 鈥�97 spoke as part of Data Science: Methods and Context. The class aims to help students think critically and ethically about data use, teaching them to ethically apply data science to address global problems while developing a deep understanding of the challenges involved.

Canaud [1]聽works as Coordinator of Health Statistics at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). She has much experience in using large datasets in health policy implementation, a field in which ethical data use questions are paramount. Her workshop focused on processes for collecting and reporting health indicators within an international organization. By interacting with her, students saw how cultural and legal questions are intrinsically connected to technical questions surrounding how data is collected, classified, represented and manipulated.

One attendee said, 鈥淚 learned the nuanced questions and challenges that need to be addressed when collecting data on such a large scale.鈥� Other students commented on the need to distinguish between approaches depending on the country in question, particularly in places with historical problems with data reporting.

Jennifer Guedj 鈥�10 also ran a workshop, focusing on data subject rights, as part of Roda鈥檚 Data Protection class. This hands-on course guides students through the preparation for the ANSI/ISO-accredited聽Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) certification offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). It is a widely recognized privacy certification indicating that recipients can manage a privacy program, implementing privacy within organizations and minimizing the risks involved in data handling.

Guedj currently works as the Legal Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at The Est茅e Lauder Companies Inc. Her workshop offered students a comprehensive view of data subject rights under the European Union鈥檚 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Students studied several real-world scenarios and discussed legal constraints and best practices for each, emphasizing the importance of confronting theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios in professional contexts. 鈥淭he cases that Jennifer presented drove students in very engaged conversations,鈥� explained Roda. 鈥淭hey highlighted how real-world cases are rarely black and white and how legal knowledge interacts with technical knowledge and, ultimately, with one鈥檚 ethical judgement.鈥�

The program鈥檚 focus on the overlap between the two key fields of human rights and data science has a lasting impact on graduates. Former student Jackson Vann G鈥�22, who graduated as part of the program鈥檚 inaugural intake, currently works as a Data Analyst for the Education in Emergencies Division of UNESCO. He said that interacting with professional speakers was one of his favorite memories of his time at BT天堂. 鈥淚t gave me a full view of what I could do with my master鈥檚,鈥� he explained. 鈥淭hat was powerful, because I realized there鈥檚 a career market for people like me.鈥�

To view the full curriculum for the MSc in Human Rights and Data Science, visit the program page by clicking below.

[1] The views and opinions expressed are those of Mme. Canaud and do not reflect those of the Organisation, or its Member countries.