The event is designed to create an innovative dialogue between academia and companies active in economics and finance. Together, companies and scientific community will discuss cutting-edge methodologies and tangible business needs, unlocking the full potential of data science and AI tools.  

All the attendees have the invaluable opportunity to absorb insights from both the academic realm and the dynamic world of business. This dual perspective not only enriches participants with theoretical knowledge but also equips them with practical tools adopted in real-life applications.

Students enrolled in the postgraduate program in AI & DS, PhD students, young researchers and junior data scientists eager to enhance their skills, delving into advanced AI & DS studies, the broader academic scientific community, AI & DS practitioners keen on exploring applications in finance and economics, experts and non-experts in data science and AI companies, public and private institutions aiming to support governmental objectives offered by technological transformation.

Scientific Committee:

Barbara Będowska-Sójka (PL),
Belma Ozturkkal (TR),
Claudia Tarantola (IT),
Codruta Mare (RO),
Eleftheria Paschalidou (GR),
Thomaidis Nikolaos (GR),
Osterrieder Jörg Robert (CH).

Organizing Committee:

Sabrina Giordano (IT)
Alessandra Tanda (IT)
Claudia Tarantola (IT)
Vanessa Verrina (IT)

Science Communication Plan Committee:

Liana Stanca (Romania)
Eleftheria Paschalidou (Greece)
Cristina Ortiz (Spain)

The Advances in Data Science and AI for Finance: Bridging Academia and Industry Training School will be held at the Department of Economics, Statistics and Finance "Giovanni Anania" (DESF) of the University of Calabria, located in Cubo 0/C and Cubo 1/C (map to get to the location from the bus station).

DESF is in the Campus of Arcavacata (click here to download the official map).

The University of Calabria can be reached in different ways (click here to see the Campus on Google Maps):

• By car - take the motorway Autostrada A2 Salerno-Reggio Calabria --> Exit Rende - Cosenza Nord and follow the road signs to Università - Paola.
   
• By train - the railway station of Castiglione Cosentino (3 km away from the Campus) is the closest one, connected to the railway terminals of Paola (railway along the Tyrrhenian sea) and Sibari (railway along the Ionian sea); once you leave the railway station, walk along Via Edison for about 100 meters, then cross Via L. Da Vinci and there you will find a bus shelter where the buses heading to the University stop.
   
• By plane - Lamezia Terme Airport is the closest airport and is connected to the cities of Cosenza and Rende by bus service. Detailed information on how to reach Rende/University of Calabria or Cosenza (Bus Station) can be obtained by visiting the website www.sacal.it. Alternatively, see below:
  LAMEZIA TERME CENTRAL STATION - AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE
  AIRPORT – COSENZA – UNICAL BUSES TIMETABLE
  UNICAL – COSENZA – AIRPORT BUSES TIMETABLE
  
  Another option to consider instead of flying directly to Lamezia Terme Airport is to choose a different airport and then transfer to Lamezia or travel to Cosenza via train or bus. Alternative airports include Naples, Bari, Rome, and Milan.
   
• Local Public Transportation - The Campus is served by Consorzio Autolinee lines 136 and 138 from Rende and Cosenza. Buses in Cosenza leave from the bus station located in Piazza Autostazione and make an approximately half-hour journey to the university. The campus bus terminal is located near CUBO 0B. Lines to Rende start from gates 1 and 2, lines to Cosenza start from gates 2 and 3. Tickets may be bought at the box office close to the terminal. Please, visit www.consorzioautolineetpl.it for more info.
  
  We also suggest visiting the Rome2Rio website to plan your journey to UniCal. This platform allows you to compare various transportation options based on factors like cost, travel time, and other relevant information, helping you find the most suitable solution for your needs.

Accommodations are located in both Cosenza and Rende. Cosenza is the main city and the centre is served by restaurants and has historical attractions. The travel time from the Cosenza bus station to the university is about half an hour. Accommodation in Rende is within walking distance of the university but the area is less historical and cultural and less well served than the centre of Cosenza.

We are thrilled to announce the successful results of our training school, an event that brought together a diverse and talented group of academic, company and institutional experts from Italy and around Europe.

Here are the highlights of our remarkable journey:

• Participants: More than 100 enthusiastic attendees, including 60 Trainees (Master AI&DS, PhD students, Junior and Senior Data Scientists, Researchers and Professors), were guided by 25 experienced Trainers, Chairs, and Committee members. Additionally, 15 dedicated Students and Staff contributed to the vibrant learning environment.

• Countries: We had the honour of hosting participants from 14 different countries, showcasing a truly international collaboration. The group included representatives from Italy, Poland, Turkey, UK, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, France, Kosovo, and Germany.

• Academic and Professional Excellence: Our training school involved 16 prestigious universities and 3 renowned institutions (Bank of Italy, ISTAT, ONEF). The engagement from the academic community was complemented by the participation of 5 innovative companies (CRIF, CERVED, LIVE TECH, AC TECHNOLOGY, VT SOLUTIONS), bridging the gap between academia and industry.

This event not only fostered knowledge sharing and skill development but also strengthened international collaboration and networking. We are proud of the achievements of all participants and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this training school a resounding success.