The New South Wales Branch of the Statistical Society of Australia invites you to a presentation titled "Getting Started with Positron: A Next-Generation IDE for data science" delivered by Dr. Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel (Duke University)
Date: Wednesday 22 July 2026
Times (AEST): 2 pm - 4 pm
Venue: 352 Carslaw Learning Studio, Carslaw Building, University of Sydney
Format: In person
Abstract: Getting Started with Positron: A Next-Generation IDE for data science
Positron is a next-generation data science IDE built by Posit PBC that combines the best features of RStudio and Visual Studio Code. This tutorial will introduce Python and R users to Positron’s core capabilities, with a special emphasis on helping RStudio and VS Code users while highlighting its
seamless integration with the respective language ecosystems. For R programmers coming from RStudio, Positron delivers a familiar yet enhanced environment for data analysis and package development, while offering a path to Python when needed. For Python programmers coming from VS Code, Positron offers
data science-specific enhanced capabilities for exploring and analyzing data, authoring, and publishing. Unlike traditional software-development-oriented IDEs, Positron provides first-class support for data science-specific workflows through its native support for R and Python, along with a designated, integrated UI for exploring Variables (Environment), Connections, Plots, Help, and more.
Participants will learn how to set up Positron for their data science work and navigate its interface. They will gain practical experience with Positron’s data-focused tools including the Variables pane, Data Explorer, and Plot viewer. They will also get to try Positron’s AI-powered tools -- the built-in Posit Assistant. By the end of the tutorial, participants will be able to customize Positron to maintain their familiar RStudio and VS Code workflow patterns while gaining access to new capabilities and understanding how to effectively transition their R- or Python-based data science projects to this new environment.
Prerequisites:
Required: Experience with R and/or Python
Nice to have: Experience with RStudio and/or VS Code
Materials:
- Bring a charged laptop
- Install R: https://cran.r-project.org/
- Install Positron: positron.posit.co/download
Presenter Bio: Dr. Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel (Duke University)
Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel is Professor of the Practice and the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Department of Statistical Science and the Director of First-Year Experience at Duke University. She is also a Developer Educator at Posit, PBC, an open-source data science software company, formerly RStudio Inc. Mine's work focuses on innovation in statistics and data science pedagogy, with an emphasis on computing, reproducible research, student-centered learning, and open-source education. She also works on research projects that assess the effectiveness of these approaches for learning and retention.
Mine has co-authored four open-source statistics textbooks as part of the OpenIntro project at the introductory college and advanced high school level, is the creator and maintainer of Data Science in a Box, and has been developing and teaching various massive open online courses, including the popular Statistics with R specialization on Coursera. In 2021, Mine was awarded the Robert V. Hogg Award for Excellence in Teaching Introductory Statistics.
Mine is one of the co-leads of the international effort to host ASA DataFest, a two-day competition in which teams of undergraduate students work to uncover insights from a rich and complex data set, held annually at over fifty institutions across the globe.
Any questions, please contact: Dr Connor Smith, connor.smith@mq.edu.au
@StatSocAus
