Summer School

About

Between August 28th and September 1st, Zortify will host its inaugural summer school for highly motivated PhD students and industry researchers to advance their skills and network with experts in natural language processing (NLP), explainable AI (XAI), and user experience design (UX). Our approach brings together an interdisciplinary mix of courses and workshops with a special focus on human experience design contexts, including next-generation human resources management, people analytics, and business intelligence.

In addition to being Luxembourg’s coolest AI startup, Zortify is also an accredited research center that partners with universities, research institutes, and industry collaborators to more closely integrate the academic and business communities. At Zortify, many of us have completed doctoral programs already and know firsthand the benefits of summer school programs.

The Zortify summer school is grounded in real world business challenges that require expertise in multiple disciplines to solve. Our approach therefore is unique: participants will have the opportunity to expand their skills in data science, data visualization, explainable artificial intelligence, and user experience design. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their own research projects to the group, network with other researchers and industry professionals, and join the summer school social events.

We look forward to welcoming you to Luxembourg this summer!

Who should apply:

– Motivated PhD students, postdocs and researchers working in the fields of computer science, psychology, user experience design
– Industry professionals who work in a research capacity or for whom this summer school can further your professional development

Prerequisites:

– Interest in an interdisciplinary approach to research and real-world problem solving
– Python skills are useful but not mandatory

Important dates:

– Application deadline: 23:59 CEST, 7th of July, 2023
– Notification of acceptance: 17th of July, 2023

Registration

For PhD students

For Researchers/Postdocs

For industry professionals

Training & Workshops

Part 1: Data Science

Evolution of NLP methods from n-grams to multilingual transformer-based model
Analysis of various types of input data (with a focus on text) and the importance of preprocessing and data quality
Multilinguality and domain-specificity in NLP
Applications in NLP and models and solutions developed for them

Part 2: HxD: UX/XAI

Visualization Analysis and Design with focus on NLP
XAI for NLP, an overview
Data Visualization for Interactive Storytelling

Inviting speakers…. to be announced.

More information will come soon.

Summer School FAQ

When is the summer school?

The event will take place August 28 – September 1, 2023 (Monday – Friday).

Is the summer school remote or in-person?

Summer school participants will join us in person. While some events may be recorded, there is no remote-only participation.

Where does the summer school take place?

PwC Luxembourg
Crystal Park – 2, rue Gerhard Mercator L-2182 Luxembourg

What is the registration fee?

PhD students: €330
Researchers/Postdocs: €440
Industry: €880

What does the registration fee cover?

The registration fee covers the cost of attendance to the event, daily breakfasts and coffee breaks. The registration fee does not cover lodging, travel, and other expenses (e.g. food).

What language will the summer school be in?

The summer school will be hosted in English.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, details to be announced.

Can I receive university credits for attending?

All participants will receive a letter of attendance certifying their participation in the summer school. Please confirm with your university in advance to make sure they will accept your participation as eligible for university credits.

Do you sponsor visas for international students attending the summer school?

While we cannot sponsor visas to join the summer school, all accepted participants will receive a letter via email confirming their acceptance to the event. Please contact your local embassy to get more information about short-term travel to Luxembourg.

What should I know about Luxembourg?

Luxembourg is a beautiful and highly innovative country in Western Europe, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and multicultural atmosphere. The capital city, Luxembourg City, features medieval charm and impressive fortifications, while the country’s natural beauty, including the Ardennes region and “Little Switzerland,” offers picturesque landscapes for outdoor activities. As a founding member of the European Union, Luxembourg houses various EU institutions, adding to its reputation as the heart of Europe. With a high quality of life, diverse cuisine, and welcoming ambiance, Luxembourg provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking a blend of culture, history, and natural splendor.

How do I get around?

As of February 2020, all public transportation within Luxembourg is free. This includes access to trains, buses, and the tram. Luxembourg City and the surrounding region is well connected, and access to and from the airport is very easy. The airport is a 15 – 20 minute ride from the center of Luxembourg City.

Where can I stay?

Lodging is not included in your registration fee and you will be required to cover these expenses on your own. We have reduced pricing for rooms near the site (more information to follow), which are available on a first come first served basis. Additionally, you can find lodging throughout the city and the surrounding region.

What are expenses like in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg, renowned for its exceptional quality of life, does carry a relatively higher cost of living compared to some other European countries. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise prudence when managing expenses during your visit.

About the selection process

We will select about 50 participants. The decision will be made based on your application.