Back to news
27 Jan 2016 | News

R software Training Makes for Better Data Analysis

1 min Read

70% Complete

Twenty-one participants attended a four-day training “Introduction to Data Analysis with R” organised by the Cryosphere initiative of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) held at ICIMOD headquarters 12 January to 15 January 2016. Attendees were from the Cryosphere Initiative’s partner institution.Kathmandu University, .Tribhuvan University, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), and the Water and Energy Climate Secretariat (WECS).

Data analysis is an integral part of scientific research. The workshop introduced data analysis and graphing software known as ‘R’, basic programming techniques and coding skills to create robust workflows for reproducible scientific research.

Hands on practice with real-world data.

Datasets collected as part of the Norwegian-funded Cryosphere Program were used to practice importing datasets, calculating summary statistics, and to produce simple but effective plots. Fundamental concepts in glaciology and glacier hydrology were also taught.

An open access software, R is a powerful data analysis tool with millions of active users. It contains thousands of statistical, mathematical, and graphical functions. There are online user forums for trouble-shooting issues using R. R creates high-quality graphics that can be used in manuscripts and reports. Scripts are easily automated, promoting reproducible research, and can be installed on any Windows, Linux or Mac system.

This was the first such training organised by ICIMOD and it received a large number of inquiries. According to Joseph Shea, the ICIMOD Glacier Hydrologist who conducted the training, the amount of interest garnered by the training demonstrates the popularity of the software in scientific analysis and the demand for training in the region.

The Cryosphere Initiative of ICIMOD is funded by Royal Norwegian Government and focuses on monitoring of glaciers, snow, and glacial lakes and glacio-hydrology with an emphasis on in-situ measurements, remote sensing, and modelling. Capacity building of its partner institution is also an integral part of the initiative.

Joseph Shea, lead instructor, in action.

 

Stay current

Stay up to date on what’s happening around the HKH with our most recent publications and find out how you can help by subscribing to our mailing list.

Sign Up

Related Content

Continue exploring this topic

6 Feb 2015 News
Consultation on Promoting Sustainable Mountain Agriculture in Gilgit Baltistan

During the meeting, Izhar Hunzai, a consultant with ICIMOD, gave an overview of the proposal. Seerat Asghar, Federal Secretary at ...

9 Aug 2017 Himalica
Regional Conference on Mountain Agriculture Kicks Off in Kathmandu, Nepal

He said, "Some messages coming out of the Himalica experience are very clear. Improving farmers', especially women farmers', access to ...

26 Jul 2018 News
ICIMOD-Bhutan Partnership Day Celebrated

Prior to the board meeting, participants traveled to Haa and inaugurated an air quality monitoring station at Chelela. Dasho Rinzin Dorji, ...

Community-based flood early warning: First national-level hands-on training in Pakistan

In collaboration with the Pakistan Meteorological Department, WWF-Pakistan, and Burraq Integrated ...

29 Feb 2016 Water
Department of Rural Development Made Commitment for Installing Pumping Water System in Himalica Pilot Villages in Myanmar

ICIMOD in partnership with the Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID) has been implementing the EU-funded Rural Livelihoods and Climate ...

30 Sep 2016 News
HKH Researchers Convene “Writeshop” to Bring HIMAP Assessment to Reality

More than 50 researchers from institutions around the world convened in Dhulikhel, Nepal, this week to make a major push ...

9 Dec 2016 News
Communities Develop Demonstrable Agroforestry Systems with Poulownia Plantation in Sushare Gaun, Gorkha, Nepal

Agroforestry is practiced in both tropical and temperate regions where it produces food, fiber and biomass energy, contributes to food ...

23 Jul 2015 News
Expanding commercial banana production in Nepal

Using ecological niche modelling to guide farmers and the Government of Nepal.  Banana is a high-value agricultural product and ...