Research Groups
The IFK focuses on seven themes, each championed by a research group: Blockchain and the Cryptoverse (BC), Data Science across Disciplines (DSAD), Decentralised Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems (DAICS), the Future of Diplomacy (FoD), the Future of Health (FoH), Green Futures (GF) and Work of the Future (WoF).
Data Science Across Disciplines
Professor Charis Harley
The purpose of the research group, Data Science Across Disciplines, is to support the educational and intellectual growth of the field of Data Science in the region, and further afield. The Group takes an interdisciplinary approach to both the application of data science and the sense-making theoretical frameworks that shape its development. At the University of Johannesburg, the Group aims to develop much-needed specialist educational programmes at the postgraduate level, to support student skills development and the upskilling of current professionals in the field. Through cutting-edge research, product development, and close collaboration with industry partners and professionals, DSAD drives innovation in Data Science to support UJ as the driver of the 4IR.
Upcoming Events
Public Lecture: Crypto, Blockchain and the Re-engineering of Ownership
Data Science Across Disciplines Thursday 23 June 2022 Register here The Blockchain and the Cryptoverse Research Group, Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK)
Panel Discussion: Showcasing Recent Teaching Innovations
Data Science Across Disciplines 17:30 – 19:00 Monday 13 June 2022 Register here The Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University
Panel Discussion: Rethinking Higher Education in the 4IR: The Case for a Paradigm Shift
Data Science Across Disciplines 17:30 – 19:00 Monday 6 June 2022 Register here The Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University
Our People
Pushpendra Kumar
Research Associate
Pushpendra Kumar is a young mathematician from India. He holds a Doctorate from the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. He has published nearly 50 research papers in more than 20 reputed international journals and is listed among the world's top 2% scientists in2023 as announced by Elsevier and Stanford University. His research works are related to the mathematical modelling of various real-world problems, fractional calculus, and computational methods. More specifically, Dr Kumar has done novel work on the modelling of infectious diseases. He is a reviewer for several international journals.
Pushpendra Kumar
Research Associate
Charis Harley
Head of Data Science Across Disciplines
Professor Charis Harley is Head of the Data Science Across Disciplines Research Group at the IFK and 4IR Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at UJ. She is an accomplished researcher in the field of computational mathematics with over 30 articles, experience at a range of elite universities, and multiple research grants. She also has experience in industry as an analyst and quantitative analyst, with practise in data analysis ranging from the use of filters; Auto-Correlation; Principal Component Analysis; Exploratory Data Analysis, to the use of more advanced methods of data analytics.
Charis Harley
Head of Data Science Across Disciplines
Pushpendra Kumar
Research Associate
Pushpendra Kumar is a young mathematician from India. He holds a Doctorate from the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. He has published nearly 50 research papers in more than 20 reputed international journals and is listed among the world's top 2% scientists in2023 as announced by Elsevier and Stanford University. His research works are related to the mathematical modelling of various real-world problems, fractional calculus, and computational methods. More specifically, Dr Kumar has done novel work on the modelling of infectious diseases. He is a reviewer for several international journals.
Pushpendra Kumar
Research Associate
Charis Harley
Head of Data Science Across Disciplines
Professor Charis Harley is Head of the Data Science Across Disciplines Research Group at the IFK and 4IR Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at UJ. She is an accomplished researcher in the field of computational mathematics with over 30 articles, experience at a range of elite universities, and multiple research grants. She also has experience in industry as an analyst and quantitative analyst, with practise in data analysis ranging from the use of filters; Auto-Correlation; Principal Component Analysis; Exploratory Data Analysis, to the use of more advanced methods of data analytics.
Charis Harley
Head of Data Science Across Disciplines