Winter Data Analysis Challenge

The Winter Data Analysis Challenge is a chance for undergraduate students to showcase skills and creativity in analysing a complex and challenging dataset. We recognise that great data science brings together development and implementation of algorithms, exploration of the data (including wrangling), and understanding of the wider context and leveraging external information

The challenge is a unique opportunity to examine interesting data outside of formal units of study, with judge- and peer-mentoring during the Challenge. Prizes will be awarded to top submissions!

• 1st prize valued at $500
• 2nd prize valued at $250
• 3rd prize valued at $100

How it works

• The challenge is open to undergraduate students enrolled at an Australian university
• Registrations will open a few weeks before the challenge starts in July.
• All challenge participants are given access to an online platform where all communication and details are available.
• The challenge runs for three days during which time students are given a dataset at the start and provided with instructions and further information. Final submissions are due at 11:59 pm on the third day.
• The organisers and mentors are available online during the three days to answer questions and provide advice and guidance.
• A panel of judges will assess the submissions according to analytical innovation, clarity of communication, critical assessment and evaluation and demonstration of understanding of the wider context.
• Prizes are awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place!
• Students can participate in teams of up to three students.
• A celebration is held early in semester 2 to congratulate the winners

Past challenges

In 2024 the Winter Data Analysis Challenge focussed on a dataset on human lifespans over different geopolitical entities and periods. Read our news story about the 2024 challenge and find our who the winners were.

The inaugural Winter Data Analysis Challenge in 2023 utilised the massive and multidimensional FAOStat database, which captures international and historical data on food and nutrient supplies, as well as other measures of demographic and social development. Given the scale of the data it is not surprising that the submissions tackled big-global problems; including the association between climatic change and agricultural production, the prominence and stability of the production of difference crops, and the global prevalence of hunger/malnutrition. A wide variety of striking data visualisations were coupled with statistical and analytical tools ranging from the relatively to simplistic, up to more complex approaches including mixed models and time-series analyses.

Register your interest for 2025

If you are interested in participating in 2025, please register your interest via the EOI form and we will let you know when registrations open.

Sponsorship opportunities

If you or your organisation is interested in sponsoring the Winter Data Analysis Challenge email data-science.admin@sydney.edu.au
Sponsorship prospectus coming soon.