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

18 Nov 2016 News
Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI) Priority Setting Workshop on Adaptation Knowledge Gaps in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Adaptation knowledge gaps have been identified, repeatedly, as a barrier to widespread and successful adaptation actions. The 

13 Dec 2017 News
Commitment to Support Integrated River Basin Management in Nepal

Over the course of the next five years, policy and implementation efforts will be made to support integrated river basin ...

DFID and ICIMOD Come Together for Cleaner Bricks in Nepal

Nepal’s Clean Brick Initiative has been consolidated by the signing of an accountable grant arrangement between the 

Bridging Knowledge Gaps: the Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Parth Sarathi Mahapatra, a research analyst with the Atmosphere Initiative at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), says ...

11 Apr 2016 News
Pakistan’s Minister of State Visits ICIMOD Projects

Minister of State, Pakistan and Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Marvi Memon paid a visit to women farmers ...

29 Jun 2022 News
Koshi resource book focusing on ecosystems, water management, and governance launched

We recently launched a resource book – The Koshi River Basin: Insights into biophysical, socioeconomic, and governance ...

22 Mar 2015 News
The Himalayan waters: complex challenges and regional solutions

It is difficult to think of a resource more essential to the wellbeing of people and their economies than water, ...