CPD-184 Introduction to Large Language Models for Statisticians

The Early Career and Student Statisticians Network is warmly invites you to an introductory workshop on Large Language Models for Statisticians presented by Dr Emi Tanaka. 

About the workshop:

This workshop serves as an introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically tailored for statisticians. The concept behind LLMs are distilled and presented in a way that is accessible and relevant to those with a background in statistics. The workshop will help participants understand how LLMs can be integrated into existing workflows. Practical applications will be demonstrated primarily through the R programming language. Participants will receive all R codes used in the demonstration, enabling them to replicate the analyses and continue exploring LLMs on their own.

Learning objectives:

• Understanding the fundamental concepts of large Language models (LLMs)  and Generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI).
• Exploring the role LLMs in modern data analysis and decision-making.
• Gain insight into practical applications of LLMs in various domains.

About the presenter:

Dr Emi Tanaka is an Applied Statistician and Deputy Director at the Biological Data Science Institute at the Australian National University. Her primary interest is developing impactful methods and tools practitioners can readily use. She delivers numerous statistical workshops including data visualisation, data wrangling, reproducible practices, statistical modelling and statistical consulting. She was the inaugural recipient of the SSA Distinguished Presenter's Award based on the delivery of her workshops.

Target audience:

The workshop is suitable for statisticians, data analysts and professionals with a background in statistics who are interested in exploring the applications and implications of Large Language Models.

Requirements:

• Computer
• Stable internet connection.
• Install the video conferencing software, zoom and know how to use it.
• Basic statistics (e.g. simple linear regression, hypothesis testing, basic summary statistics and plots)

Please note that some participants may have difficulty installing the software ollama (particularly Window users). Detailed instructions for installing the necessary software including ollama, will be provided.  However, technical assistance for software installation is beyond the scope of the workshop, so participants will need to manage the installation on their own.  

Desirable:

• Microphone and web camera.
• Some familiarity with R.
• Admin rights to their computer to install software like ollama (https://ollama.com/) and R package.
• Basic understanding of machine learning concepts.

Timetable:

1:30-3:00pm session 1

3:00-3:30 Break

3:30-5:00pm Session 2

All profits from this workshop will be given as a sponsorship to the SSA to support early career statisticians.

Cancellation Policy
Occasionally workshops have to be cancelled due to a lack of subscription. Early registration ensures that this will not happen.

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the  Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20. 

From then onward no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.

For any questions, please email events@statsoc.org.au