Dr. Shai Fine, former head of Analytics & Big Data and chief data scientist at Teva Global R&D, Intel, and IBM Research, appointed as the first Julis-Rabinowitz Academic Chair in Data Science at IDC Herzliya.
Writer: Judith Sudilovsky
Dr. Shai Fine cannot hide his enthusiasm for his new position. “This is exactly the type of institution I was seeking when I was in the business world. It could have contributed so much to my everyday work.” Fine has been named the first Julis-Rabinowitz Academic Chair in Data Science at IDC Herzliya. Sitting at the helm of the newly created Data Science Institute, he says, provides an opportunity to build an entirely new, and very necessary, type of organization. “Our main objective is to promote applied research, which is sorely lacking in Israel. Here, research is more focused on theory. There is a real need for relevant academic research that can bridge the gap between academia’s strength and capabilities, and industry’s needs.”
Data Science is a relatively new field that encompasses the realms of statistics, data analysis, and machine learning research. It utilizes a variety of algorithms, technological tools, and scientific methods from a multitude of disciplines in order to intelligently analyze data, extract insights, and devise predictive and prescriptive models. Data Sciences are at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling and refueling a massive economic growth and cultural shift. It promises to creep into every single area of our lives with each profession having to re-evaluate how it deals with data and the outcomes thereof.
The mission of the Data Science Institute, which was established in August 2018, is to nurture applied research, technological breakthroughs, and professional education. It will serve as an innovative arm, bridging academic research and industry demands. The Data Science Institute operates alongside the disciplines within IDC’s schools, thus leveraging IDC’s unique interdisciplinary structure and culture.
“We have the remarkable opportunity to focus research on a combination of data science and social sciences – almost uncharted territory in the data sciences.”
- Dr. Shai Fine, Julis-Rabinowitz Academic Chair in Data Science.
The center thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, making IDC an ideal home for it. “We have a lot of experts who are willing and eager to cross their ‘silos.’ You see it happening every day here. There is an incredible amount of openness, willingness, and eagerness to work together.”
Fine credits this cooperative environment to Prof. Uriel Reichman, IDC founder and president, and his vision of interdisciplinary studies. Reichman, who indeed has made integrating approaches from different fields his institution’s raison d’etre, believes Fine will raise the bar for both IDC, and for data sciences. “This is a unique opportunity for IDC to place itself at the forefront of data science research and technology,” notes Reichman. “Using our strength as an interdisciplinary institution, we will bring together the best research and scientific minds, and expand our capabilities in a number of fields. Dr. Fine also brings with him a wealth of industry experience. That, together with his academic research strength, will allow him to create a cutting-edge center.”
The Institute will be structured on nine verticals, similar to labs. Each one will be based on a combination of three types of stakeholders: data sciences, additional scientific paradigms, and the relevant industries or businesses segment outside academia.
Fine acknowledges that with Israel being the Start-up Nation, there is already a lot of good R&D capacity in industry. “But,” he adds, “the lack of data scientist skills and applied research are hampering our ability to progress.” The Data Science Institute can fill in that gap, by providing opportunities for data science research that industry executives may find too risky or stressful to tread. “At times, even research failures can be of value, as they can show industry leaders which paths to avoid.
“We have a lot of experts who are willing and eager to cross their ‘silos.’” - Dr. Shai Fine.
“We are looking to pave a new way. We have the remarkable opportunity to focus research on a combination of data science and social sciences – almost uncharted territory in the data sciences. We’ll do this without neglecting the traditional domain of interest, where data sciences have already made their mark. The Data Science Institute will make IDC a leader in technology. To be able to establish this kind of research institution is something unique, challenging, and very exciting.”
Ultimately, the impact will be felt outside the borders of Israel as well. The benefactor of the Julis-Rabinowitz Academic Chair says he looks forward to seeing how Dr. Fine “will make his impact in this important and constantly growing field of study.” The first three of the nine verticals will be formed in 2019, and will be in the fields of digital health and business. They will be established in collaboration with the Arison School of Business and the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science. Discussions have also begun with the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy, the School of Sustainability, and the Media Innovation Lab (IDC milab) of the Sammy Ofer School of Communications. Fine is modeling IDC’s new center on more than 12 research centers established at University of California-Berkeley by Prof. David Patterson. These combine academic credentials with research; they develop new and exciting technology, and thus have real impact on industry.
“This will be a real opportunity for students to get practical experience in research methodology, experiment implementation and on-program collaboration.” – Dr. Shai Fine.
The Data Science Institute is the brainchild of Prof. Dov Pekelman, dean of the Business School, who began building it when he joined IDC’s staff in 2016. “We are really becoming a powerhouse in this area, which is something that will be a part of all of our lives. All the different schools at IDC will be impacted by the new center… I see it as vitally important to propel IDC to the forefront of data science research, and to give our students hands-on experiences in this fast-growing field.” And Fine, says Pekelman, is the right person to lead them. “Shai Fine comes to us with an extensive background in data science and machine learning, as well as vast industry experience.”
Both undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to work with lead researchers on diverse data science projects at the center, providing them with skills that will be transferable to real work environments. “This will be a chance for students to get practical experience in research methodology, experiment implementation, and technological team effort by working as part of an R&D team,” says Fine. “Students will be an integral part of the studies, and those who excel will be given work offers by industry partners. Big Data provides a huge opportunity.
