Howard University and Mathematica are partnering to launch the first Summer Institute in Computational Social Science (SICSS) program hosted by a Historically Black College and University. 

SICSS-Howard/Mathematica will be held virtually from Monday, June 14, 2021 to Friday, June 25, 2021 and is uniquely poised to highlight how innovative social science research methods and real-world data can help counter anti-Black racism and inequity. The free two-week program is open to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty. The Summer Institute is for both social scientists and data scientists.

“SICSS-Howard/Mathematica is deeply rooted in our commitment to balancing the scales for the disenfranchised, and promoting an America devoid of inequalities,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “The Howard University community is excited to partner with Mathematica to bring together a diverse group of experts who will lead a new generation of data-driven social scientists to the forefront of using data to counter anti-Black racism and inequity in America.”

“This program provides aspiring research and data analytics professionals with insights to help them operate at the intersection of data science and social science, as well as surface new ways to apply an equity lens to that work,” said Paul Decker, president and CEO of Mathematica. “We are incredibly proud to stand with Howard University in shining a light on the importance of equity and dismantling anti-Black racism in all facets of our society.”

The two-week interactive and instructional program includes lectures, group problem sets, and participant-led research projects. Outside speakers who conduct and use computational social science research in academia, industry, government, and other settings will add real-world insights to the program. Together, participants will explore topics such as text as data, website scraping, digital field experiments, non-probability sampling, mass collaboration, and ethics.

Applications are due on March 31st, 2021. For more information, visit https://sicss.io/2021/howard-mathematica, sign up for email updates, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter. 

ABOUT SICSS

The Summer Institute in Computational Social Science has brought together graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and beginning faculty interested in computational social science in more than 30 locations worldwide since 2017. Our Institutes have provided more than 700 young scholars with cutting-edge training in the field and the opportunity to develop new research collaborations that break down disciplinary barriers. For more information, visit https://compsocialscience.github.io/summer-institute.

ABOUT MATHEMATICA

Founded in 1968, Mathematica reimagines the way the world gathers and uses data, surfacing evidence and insights that illuminate the path to progress for public- and private-sector changemakers. Driven by our mission to improve public well-being and our steadfast commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Mathematica’s 1,400 employees collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to inform program and policy decisions in health, human services, and international development. For more information, visit https://www.mathematica.org.

ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 70 Fulbright Scholars. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

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Media Contact:

David Roberts, droberts@mathematica-mpr.com

Program Inquiries:

Naniette H. Coleman, sicss.howard.mathematica@gmail.com