Advocata Institute online talk on ‘Predicting Elections: An Introduction to Data Science’

The Advocata Institute’s Think series conducted in partnership with Echelon would be featuring an Online Talk and Q&A on the topic ‘Predicting Elections: An Introduction to Data Science’ on Wednesday, 4 November from 6 p.m. onwards. 

The Online Talk and Q&A hosted by Advocata and Echelon will feature Nuwan Senaratna (Computer Scientist/Founder, ColomboLabs) and will be moderated by Aneetha Warusavitarana (Research Manager, Advocata Institute). The talk will cover how data science can improve the way we approach social science research. The session will also explore the role played by data science in predicting electoral outcomes. 

Data is the new crude oil, and data science is the science of extracting and refining this oil into useful information. In this talk, Nuwan will discuss the fundamentals of data science and one of its most fascinating applications: Predicting Elections. It is hoped that this talk would be of interest to both social science researchers as well as innovators and activists trying to understand democratic and sociopolitical trends.

Panellist Nuwan Senaratna is a Computer Scientist, specialising in Artificial intelligence (AI), Software Engineer. He is the Founder of ColomboLabs.inc and was the former Engineering Manager at Facebook from 2009 to 2017. His undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Statistics is from the University of Colombo. He earned his Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) in AI with a Distinction in Research from the Stanford University School of Engineering.  

The Advocata Institute cordially invites members of the public to tune into the discussion through Zoom. The event will also be live-streamed on Advocata’s Facebook page. You can register at advocata.org/events for event details. 

Advocata is an independent policy think tank based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. We conduct research, provide commentary and hold events to promote sound policy ideas compatible with a free society in Sri Lanka. Visit advocata.org for more information.

Advocata spokespersons are available for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews via 077 621 6788.