Data is so prolific it’s easy to take for granted, but a significant amount of work goes into creating a usable dataset – more so when humans are involved! Even data user manuals only give a tiny insight into what actually goes on behind the scenes. So what is actually involved in cleaning and managing data? Surely it’s not that much work, right?
Wrong! In this talk I’ll go through the nitty-gritty of data cleaning and management, using my work on the Mayi Kuwayu study as an example. The talk will include conceptual issues, pragmatic code, and maybe too many parenting jokes.
Dr Benjamin Harrap
Ben (they/them) is a biostatistician by training and has worked with data from all manner of contexts and sources, from clinical trials and observational studies to census and linked administrative data.
They currently work at Yardhura Walani (Ngunnawal for a strong, powerful and healthy energy and place) on Mayi Kuwayu: The National Study of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing, providing data management, survey design, and statistical expertise. Recently, Ben’s been using R and Quarto to rework the study’s data management pipeline into something beautiful and functional, and has used this as an opportunity to upskill colleagues interested in learning R.
When Ben’s not thinking about data, which is rare, you can find them posting silly things on Bluesky, cooking up something in the kitchen, or playing whatever games are on their toddler’s agenda.
Yes, the session will be recorded, provided to all registrants and published online.
The Australian Sensitive Data Interest Group (AUSDIG) provides an opportunity for anyone interested in discussing the challenges and strategies for managing sensitive data. To watch previous meetings and join the mailing list, visit the AUSDIG website.
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