Machine learning: Tools and applications for policy

During this course you will learn how to:

• Use popular Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques
• Understand the opportunities and limitations of these techniques
• Be able to interact with the experts
• Work hands-on with ML/AI methods in Python
• “Demystify” the black box of ML/AI
• Continue to learn by yourself

• Popular Machine Learning (ML )  and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques
• Opportunities and Limitations of ML and AI
• AI and ML methods in Python and practical exercises

• A master or PhD in any discipline that works with data. The main example used will be using credit risk data.
• Basic knowledge of traditional econometric methods (OLS, panel and time-series models) is assumed.
• The tutorials use Python running in a Jupyter Notebooks on Google Colab. This is browser based so no software installation need. A good internet connection is required. The material will also be distributed through Gitlab.
• Knowledge of Python is helpful but not is required.

Target Audience

Policy makers and analysts engaged in data-driven policy making.

We expect the participants to be familiar with basic data manipulation tasks (e.g. Excel) and have a working knowledge of linear regressions, that is to be able to run OLS in its variations and interpret the results.

The tutorials use Python in Jupyter Notebooks on Google Colab. This is browser based so no installation need. Knowledge of Python is helpful but not required. Basic coding skills and familiarity with Python is recommended. For a tutorial, see this here (link).

Accommodation 

Please notice that the course dinner, and most of the social activities, will take place downtown.

Recommended hotels nearby the EUI:

• Hotel Villa La Stella
• Pensione Bencista

Recommended hotels in downtown Florence:

• Hotel Cellai
• Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco
• Hotel Rosso 23

Suggested restaurants in Florence city centre

• Restaurant Accademia – Ph. +39  055 217343
• Restaurant Cucina Torcicoda – Ph. +39 055 265 4329
• Finisterrae – Ph. +39 0552638675
• Il Vezzo – Ph. +39 055 281096
• Osteria di Giovanni – Ph. + 39 055 284897

Wi-Fi

On arrival, participants will be provided with temporary wi-fi access for the whole duration of the course.

For general queries: fbf@eui.eu

GENERAL INFORMATION ON LOCAL TRANSPORT

From Florence airport:

Florence airport is located 8 km from the city centre, approximately 30 minutes by taxi or bus. Taxis can be found outside the arrivals terminal; no reservation is needed. A taxi ride from the airport costs about €20 and takes approximately 25/30 minutes.

A tramway (line T2) connects the airport to the city centre. Trains leave from the airport terminal and take 20 minutes to the main railway station. One-way tickets can be bought from vending machines for €1.50.

From the central railway station:

Take bus n. 7 at the bus stop Stazione Nazionale in the direction “Fiesole Piazza Mino”, get off at the stop ‘San Domenico 01’. For bus routes and timetables consult the official timetable.

Bus tickets are sold outside the railway station, at Autolinee Toscane ticket kiosks and vending machines, tobacconists (tabacchi), newspaper kiosks (edicole), and most cafes (bar). They must be bought before boarding and stamped using the machine on the bus. A ticket costs €1.50 and it is valid for 90 minutes. Bus tickets can be purchased also on board (€ 2.50), but the driver is not obliged to give change.

Private car

From the A1 Milano-Napoli (Autostrada del Sole), take the Firenze Sud exit and follow directions to the city centre/Stadio. Follow the directions to the stadium (Stadio), then for Fiesole. San Domenico is on the main road to Fiesole.

The EUI has several free parking areas available all over the Campus.

Early bird fees* apply until 28 March 2022 – Registration deadline 16 May 2022

• Early bird: € 1755 (Standard fee: € 1950) – Private Sector
• Early bird € 1575 (Standard fee: € 1750) – Public Authorities (e.g. National Competent Authorities, Central Banks) and European Institutions
• € 950 (No early bird) –Full-Time Professors, PhD Students, Research Associates

Please submit a certificate attesting your status of Professor, PhD Student or Research Associate to fbf@eui.eu before registering. FBF secretariat will provide you with a code to register. *Seats for academics are limited.

* Please note that to qualify for early bird rates, registration and payment must be processed by the deadline of the early bird.

Please note that the payment must be settled one week before the start of the course.

The fee includes tuition, access to all course materials and pedagogic activities, coffee and lunch breaks and social activities. It does not include travel and accommodation expenses or other local transportation costs (taxis, private cars).

Limited seats per institution

A certificate of attendance will be provided to all participants after the course.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• • In case you can no longer attend the course, you are required to inform the organisers by sending an email to fbf@eui.eu in order to free a seat for participants in the waiting list.
  • In case of frequent cancellations, FBF reserves the right not to accept further registrations from the same person.

For more details, please contact fbf@eui.eu

Registered participants can access the course material using the password provided by the FBF secretariat.