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Cargo port from bird's-eye view © Chuttersnap​/​Unsplash

Summer Schools

To offer additional training on further specific topics relevant for the doctoral researchers of TRR 391, we will organize two summer schools in years 2025 and 2027, where external speakers will be invited.

The summer schools will also be open to external participants. Furthermore, a small number of scholarships are available to cover accommodation and (possibly partial) travel expenses.
 

TRR 391 Summer School 2025

Title: Generalized Additive Modelling and Statistical Methods for High-Dimensional Spatio-temporal Data
Date: June 12 - June 14
Location: TU Dortmund University (north campus), FH Dortmund (Department of Computer Science)
Emil-Figge-Straße 38b, 44227 Dortmund
Registration Deadline: April 30 (After expiry, participation can be requested at stairsstatistik.tu-dortmundde)
Lecturers: 


Sayar's course will explore statistical methods designed to address the challenges we encounter when dealing with high-dimensional spatio-temporal data: complex dependencies across both spatial and temporal dimensions, intrinsic high dimensionality, and computational difficulties are just a few examples. Through theoretical discussions and some hands-on exercises in R, you will gain practical skills for handling large-scale spatio-temporal datasets effectively.
   
Matteo's course features Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) models, an extension of traditional regression models. They strike a balance between flexibility and interpretability, while being able to handle large data sets. You will get an overview of GAM theory, methods and software, covering GAM basics, before learning about more advanced topics, such as quantile GAMs. Incorporated hands-on sessions will make sure that you will be ready to start doing GAM modelling in R as soon as the course is over.

Note that both parts require basic proficiency with R (eg. loading data, accessing data frames, basic use of the lm() function, etc.), at a level equivalent to a couple of days of self-study.

These two main courses of the STAIRS Summer School will also be supplemented by a supporting program.
Participants can choose between two R-workshops at the TRR 391 Summer School:

Lecturer Daniel Horn (TU Dortmund) Sebastian Meyer (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)
Title The enclosing environment of an R function and how to use it in simulations Endemic-epidemic modelling using the R package 'surveillance'
Abstract In this workshop, we review the structure and behavior of environments in R and explore how they relate to function definitions and execution. Building on this foundation, we introduce functional programming tools that make strategic use of environment capture for writing more expressive and modular code. This workshop provides an introduction to the statistical analysis of infectious disease spread using the R package 'surveillance'. We will focus on a so-called "endemic-epidemic" modelling framework for areal count time series as obtained from public health surveillance systems. Several programming exercises using real-world data will be provided.
 

Social Events

Beyond the scientific program, the TRR 391 Summer School fosters collaboration across disciplines and institutions. To facilitate exchange, we prepared an engaging social program that offers insights into Dortmund's industrial heritage. Whether you're interested in exploring historical landmarks, enjoying immersive art experiences, or simply relaxing with fellow participants over a shared meal, we organized activities that help the participants connect and recharge. Below you can find some of the social activities during the TRR 391 Summer School 2025.

Skywalk Phoenix West The blast furnace plant at PHOENIX West is a monumental, highly visible witness to the steel industry that once shaped Dortmund's economy. Since April 2025, the approx. 300 m long footbridge on the former blast furnace gas pipeline - the Skywalk - has been reopened. In a one-hour guided tour, we take a walk high above the site of the former blast furnace plan, and experience exciting industrial culture, beautiful views and first insights into the fascinating history of a place in transition - very much in fitting with the theme of TRR 391.
Hike past the Signal Iduna Park A hike of almost 7 km in total, which takes the participants from the Summer School venue past Signal-Iduna-Park, the home stadium of Bundesliga club BVB Dortmund, along the adjacent rose terraces to Phoenix West. The tour ends at the Bergmann brewery, where everyone can enjoy a cool refreshment in the evening after an eventful Summer School day.
Phoenix des Lumières In 2023, an immersive art centre came to life in the Phoenix Halle, a former gas treating plant, part of the famous Phoenix West blast furnace. Phoenix des Lumières presents monumental immersive digital exhibitions. The special exhibition Ocean Wonders awaits us on Friday evening: See rarely seen deep-sea fish, experience the sensation of gliding over a great white shark, and admire dreamily dancing schools of fish: Those who embark on the immersive dive will find themselves surrounded by giant blue whales, orcas, and sperm whales. You will experience the shapes and colors of underwater flora and fauna life-size and up close. From exotic seahorses and luminous jellyfish to deep, dark waters where no light penetrates – every corner of the immersive ocean reveals new, breathtaking landscapes and creatures.
Registration for TRR 391 Summer School 2025
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