​December 2024 - Africa Training Workshop in Econometrics
(AFTW2-2024)
Theme: Causal Machine Learning and Modelling with Big Data in economics
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Date: December 3 - 6, 2024
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Purpose:
Over the past decade, the use of unstructured data has been growing steadily in economics and related disciplines. This training workshop on "Causal Machine Learning and Modeling with Big Data in Economics" offers a comprehensive introduction to empirical methods used to extract economically meaningful information from such data, with a particular focus on natural language. Starting with methods based on term counts, the course progresses to neural language models that represent words as vectors for word prediction tasks, laying the groundwork for modern large language models.
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Additionally, the course delves into causal machine learning using the statistical software "R." Participants will learn how to assess the causal effect of interventions or treatments on outcomes, ensuring comparability between treated and untreated groups through data-driven models. The course covers key algorithms like double lasso regression, causal random forests, double machine learning, and optimal policy trees, enabling attendees to detect effect heterogeneity and target optimal subgroups. By the end, participants will gain a solid understanding of the assumptions, intuition, and practical applications of machine learning for causal analysis using real-world datasets.
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Professors Martin Huber and Stephen Hansen are internationally renowned experts in the fields of data-driven causal analysis, machine learning, and high-dimensional analysis. They will be instructing on cutting-edge techniques that combine causal inference, machine learning, and high-dimensional analysis to enhance decision-making in economics.
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This is a graduate-level course for PhD students, scholars, and professionals (with at least a master’s degree).
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Organizers: Abderrahim Taamouti (University of Liverpool, UK)
Prosper Dovonon (Concordia University)
Format: Fully remote
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Registration fees: 120 USD
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Instructors:
Stephen Hansen (University College London)
Martin Huber (University of Fribourg)
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For more information click here
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Important dates:
Deadline for application: October 18, 2024
Admission decision: October 30, 2024
Registration open: TBA
Registration deadline: November 20, 2024
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How to apply?
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(*) All applicants must have active membership to the Econometric Society at the time of application. Africa-based students and young scholars who do not have financial support are eligible for a sponsored membership. To become member or to renew your membership, click here.
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(*) Applicants shall provide a detailed CV and a cover letter (in pdf format), click here to apply.
​Note: Financial support for the workshop is available for underfunded Africa-based graduate students and junior researchers. You may apply by providing a letter of request and an ID proof of affiliation.
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How to register?
For registration click here (will open soon)
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