BSAS Delivers a Tenth Successful R and Statistics Workshop under the Guidance of Davina Hill and Assisted by Katie Dubarry and Michael Arthur

The British Society of Agricultural Sciences (BSAS) held another triumphant R and Statistics Workshop this month, giving its members a comprehensive training event for the tenth year.

Led by Lecturer in Welfare Physiology and R expert, Dr Davina Hill from the University of Glasgow, and ably assisted by PhD students, Katie Dubarry (University of Edinburgh) and Michael Arthur (Teagasc), the workshop provided participants with valuable skills and increased confidence in statistical analysis through a series of lectures and guided interactive break-out sessions.

As a leading organization dedicated to promoting understanding and excellence in animal sciences, BSAS has consistently emphasised the importance of advancing statistical proficiency to enhance data-driven decision-making within the animal science community. The popular annual workshop sold out once again this year, a testament to BSAS' commitment to providing relevant support to its members, with attendees participating from diverse backgrounds, including researchers, students, and industry professionals.

Throughout the two-day workshop, Davina Hill, Katie Dubarry and Michael Arthur demonstrated their expertise in utilizing R, a powerful programming language for statistical computing and graphics. The workshop's comprehensive curriculum covered a wide array of topics, including:

• Introduction to R and RStudio
• Data manipulation and visualisation
• Statistical analysis and hypothesis testing
• Statistical modelling
• Experimental design

Participants were highly engaged during the interactive sessions, gaining hands-on experience and practical insights into the applications of R in their respective domains. The virtual format of the event provided flexibility, enabling attendees to participate and collaborate with peers and tutors in a relaxed format.

Davina Hill, who was invited to design a statistics workshop for BSAS in 2013 by then CEO Mike Steele, expressed her enthusiasm for the positive responses received from the participants over the years. She said, "It's been a wonderful experience to watch the course grow and evolve from its first delivery at the University of Leeds in summer 2013 through to today’s virtual workshop, which enables people from a range of backgrounds to take part from anywhere in the world. Sharing the power of R with hundreds of participants, comprising postgraduates, academics and industrial scientists, over the last decade and witnessing their progress and enthusiasm has been truly inspiring."

Michael Arthur who provided valuable assistance throughout the workshop, added, "It's gratifying to see how the participants embraced the intricacies of R and its potential applications. The enthusiasm and willingness to learn showcased by the attendees have made this event a memorable success."

Maggie Mitchell, CEO of BSAS commented “The 10th BSAS R and Statistics Workshop not only imparts essential skills but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among participants, which will undoubtedly continue to thrive beyond the training”.

BSAS extends its gratitude to Davina Hill, Katie Dubarry and Michael Arthur for their exceptional guidance and expertise, ensuring the workshop's resounding success. The Society also extends its appreciation to all participants whose active engagement contributed to the event's positive and dynamic atmosphere.

For more information about the BSAS and future workshops and events, please visit www.bsas.org.uk/events.