Stories of impact

This year edition of the Analytics for a Better World Data Practitioners Fellowship Program saw more than 103 fellows learning about analytics implementation, and being equipped with the right tools and techniques to implement data-driven solutions in their organizations.

In 2022, Analytics for a Better World was born from a vision to use analytics as a force for a better world. Founded by the University of Amsterdam and ORTEC, our nonprofit’s mission is clear—to empower nonprofit organizations with analytics, accelerating their impact and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As we reflect on the past year, we find ourselves in a moment of pride and gratitude, surrounded by a dedicated team and supported by partners who share our commitment to creating a better world.

On Monday, September 11th, two Analytics for a Better World courses officially started at the University of Amsterdam, as part of the Economics and Business Bachelor and Master programs. Throughout 8-weeks, 250 students from the University of Amsterdam learned about the relevance of analytics and its implementation for the improvement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For this edition from ORTEC's ‘Jointly for Social Impact’ series, we sat down with our partner Force For Nature, to hear from them how the development and implementation of an app for rangers helps to protect our planet.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans. This pervasive pollution poses significant global environmental, economic, and health challenges. The economic damage amounts to an estimated 13 to 14 billion dollars a year. If no action is taken, plastic will increasingly impact our ecosystems, health, and economies. “It’s The Ocean Cleanup’s mission to eliminate 90% of plastics floating in the oceans by 2040,” says Arjen Tjallema, Head of Technology at The Ocean Cleanup. To reach their goal by 2040, The Ocean Cleanup focuses on two key areas: cleaning up legacy pollution and preventing future inflow.

We sat down with Amref Health Africa, a leading health organization in Africa, to hear from them how data contributes to their mission to create lasting health change in Africa.

Panel 2B, chaired by Parvathy Krishnan (CTO of ABW), centered around the impact, challenges, and success stories of the ABW Academy’s Data Science Fellowship program. This program aims to empower participants as data science practitioners within nonprofit organizations. Trainers, mentors, and program alumni contributed their valuable insights.

Panel 2A, chaired by Dick den Hertog (Science to Impact Director of ABW), focused on the role of analytics researchers in creating impact within the nonprofit sector. The panel aimed to address the challenges researchers face in translating their work into practical applications and fostering meaningful change.

Panel 1B, chaired by Robert Monné (Managing Director of ABW), shed light on the impactful role of analytics professionals in driving positive change within nonprofit organizations. The panel aimed to explore the collaborations between ABW's nonprofit and company network, highlighting success stories, lessons learned, and the added value derived from such partnerships.

The Public Infrastructure Service Access (PISA) Toolkit, designed to optimize the placement of crucial public sector infrastructures, was the focus of Panel 1A. The panel, chaired by Parvathy Krishnan (CTO of ABW) and Dick den Hertog (Science to Impact Director of ABW), brought together speakers from non-profits, researchers, and ABW industry partners who are actively involved in the design, development, and deployment of the toolkit.