Making sense of data in food science

Short Course & Workshop intended for food scientists and researchers on how to infer conclusions from data aided by computational, statistical methods & mathematical modelling in food science.

5,6,7 November 2024

Thessaloniki, Greece

Registrations are now closed
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Your instructors

Dr. József Baranyi

József Baranyi is a pioneer in bridging mathematics with food science, whose work cemented the field of predictive food microbiology.
Prof. Konstantinos Koutsoumanis
Professor Konstantinos Koutsoumanis is a leading authority in predictive food microbiology, whose extensive research and expertise have significantly advanced the field.
About us 


What to expect
Have you ever contemplated what, say, the expression “statistically significant (p<0.05)” really means? Or how to provide and what are confidence intervals for parameter estimates?  Sooner or later you inevitably face such questions and need to give statements in papers, theses and reports. Are you sure you interpret these concepts correctly?

This course is an opportunity to boost your confidence in such issues, during a 3-day-long workshop from a mathematician, who has been working with food scientists for >30 years. Many examples will be based on quantitative (predictive) food microbiology, using the ComBase database (www.combase.cc).

Prerequisites
For hands-on exercises, participants will need a laptop with Microsoft Excel installed. No statistical package will be used; the built-in functions / procedures and the Data Analysis and Solver Add-ins of Excel will be sufficient.
Workshop

Programme
Tuesday

5/11/2024

  • 8:30 – 9:00 Introduction            

  • 9:00 – 11:00 Database building

  • 11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break           

  • 11:30 – 13:30 Advanced topics     

  • 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch break            

  • 14:30 – 15:00 Recap                       

Wednesday

6/11/2024

  • 8:30 – 10:30 Statistical tests         

  • 10:30 – 11:00 Technology Transfer 

  • 11:00– 11:30 Coffee break                

  • 11:30 – 13:30 Advanced topics         

  • 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch break                

  • 14:30 – 15:00 Recap                           

Thursday

7/11/2024

  • 8:30 – 10:30 Modelling & fitting data

  • 10:30 – 11:00 Computational  food                  science & digital
                 transformation 
    11:00– 11:30 Coffee break                      

  • 11:30 – 13:30 Inference, predictions &  decision      

  • 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch break                      

  • 14:30 – 15:00 Wrapping up                     

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Day 1

Database building.
Syntax and semantics. Finding patterns in data by means of statistics and visualisation.

Basics of mathematical statistics.
Random variables. Expected value, deviation and variance. Random number generation and simulation. Approximations of distribution functions; histogram generation. Distributions of transformed random variables.
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Day 2

Statistical tests.
Analysis of Variance, T-test, chi-2 test, F-test.  Confidence intervals and significance levels.

Quantifying errors, minimizing risk. Quantification of dissimilarity. Cost function for disagreements. Risk. Simulation in Excel. Deterministic and random effects.

 
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Day 3

Modelling and fitting data.
Variables and parameters. Rescaling and reparameterization. Linearization.

Inference, predictions and decision.
Least Squares Method. Linear regression. Fitting by polynomials. Estimates and their standard errors. Common mistakes and misconceptions.

Registration

Where?

Aristotle University's Research Dissemination Center (KEDEA) at the AUTH Campus in Thessaloniki, Greece.

3is Septemvriou - AUTH Campus, 546 36, Thessaloniki, Greece

0030 2310 991651

crstefanou@agro.auth.gr

Mon-Fri 10:00 - 15:00

FAQs

Common questions and answers for clarity.

What is the course duration?

The course is a 3-day-long workshop, with daily presentations and hands-on sessions from 9:00 – 15:00 each day.

Who is the course instructor?

The course leader and main instructor is Professor József Baranyi, a distinguished mathematician with >30 years experience in food science.

What are the main topics covered?

Topics include statistical significance, confidence intervals, and data interpretation in the realm of food science.

Is there hands-on practice?

Yes, many hands-on exercises based on quantitative food microbiology using the ComBase database will be carried out to solidify the concepts taught.

Is there an enrollment fee?

There is no enrollment fee for the workshop, but places are limited and will be granted on a first-come-first-serve basis following the assessment of each prospective participant.
The registration deadline is 10/10/2024.

Will there be catering?

A coffee break and lunch break are provided to participants and tutors. In case of food allergies please inform the organisers in advance.

Bolster Your Data Interpretation Skills

Enhance your statistical understanding in food science. Join us to gain confidence in interpreting data effectively.
Limited seats available!

Registration Deadline 11/10/2024
Registration