This Monday, January 20, the Moroccan Center for Game Theory (MCGT) of the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) launches the Winter School on Data Economics, an event which is held until January 24 on the campus of UM6P in Rabat. For five days, around forty international students, doctoral students and researchers will come together to explore the challenges of the data economy in a world undergoing digital transformation.
The Winter School, placed under the sign of exchange and collective reflection, allows participants to explore key questions such as the costs associated with data collection, the market power it confers, the benefits of data sharing and the impact of data quantity and quality on its value.
These topics are addressed by renowned experts, such as Professor Jason Hartline of Northwestern University, Bo Wagoner of the University of Colorado, Rachel Cummings of Columbia University, and Nicole Immorlica of Microsoft Research.
A crossroads of international expertise
This week of intense intellectual exchanges is an opportunity to explore international perspectives. The Moroccan Center for Game Theory (MCGT), through this program, emphasizes internationalization and collaborative research.
“By bringing together internationally renowned researchers and doctoral students from the four corners of the globe, we are creating a unique space for dialogue and collaboration to understand the complex economic and strategic issues linked to data sciences and artificial intelligence,” explains Mr. Rida Laraki, founder of the Moroccan Center for Game Theory.
The Center is dedicated to the advancement of game theory and data economics, and positions itself as a key player in supporting research careers, both for Moroccan and international students.
An initiative which is part of a dynamic which aims to establish Morocco on the world academic scene.
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An opening to the world for Moroccan students
-Beyond the scientific debates, this event also represents a strong moment for Moroccan students, who often have few opportunities to travel or exchange with their international counterparts.
For Mathieu, a French student who is doing his thesis at INRIA (National Institute for Research in Digital Sciences and Technologies) in Paris, this Winter School is a dream opportunity: “The program that was communicated to us by the researchers is excellent . This is my first time in Morocco, being here in this setting, surrounded by students from all over the world as well as internationally renowned researchers, is a great opportunity,” he tells us.
This intercultural aspect is also highlighted by Professor Nicole Immorlica, researcher at Microsoft Research, known for her work on algorithmic game theory and locality-sensitive hashing: “I am delighted to be in Morocco to teach the economics of data. It is a real pleasure to share my knowledge with these fantastic students. I hope that our discussions will inspire them to ask relevant questions on these crucial subjects,” she declared into our microphone.
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Highlighting female skills
Another strong point of this event lies in the place given to women in the academic field. Of the five invited professors, three are women of very high level, a deliberate decision admits Mr. Rida Laraki. Such a choice aims to highlight female expertise in disciplines often dominated by men. This approach is also part of a desire to promote gender equality and demonstrate that women play a key role in the development of science and technology.
A springboard for the university and for Morocco
In addition to scientific exchanges, the Winter School promotes the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University on a global scale. The event constitutes a springboard to attract international talents, researchers and future professors, and thus strengthen the reputation of the university. “This event is an investment for the future, both for the influence of our institution and for the recruitment of new talents in the years to come,” specifies Mr. Rida Laraki.
The Winter School on Data Economy, organized by UM6P, presents itself as a catalyst for the exchange of knowledge and the internationalization of higher education in Morocco. It offers Moroccan and international students a unique opportunity to explore major economic questions in depth while promoting cooperation between renowned researchers.
