The SoBigData Summer School 2025, the third edition of the international summer program From Data to Social Innovation, took place from June 22 to 28 in Baratti, on the Tuscan coast. The initiative aimed to train a new generation of data scientists, social scientists, and researchers in the responsible use of data to address ethical, political, and societal challenges.
I took advantage of the SoBigData++ Transnational Access program to visit the National Research Council (CNR) in Pisa and collaborate with Prof. Luca Pappalardo (SoBigData Research Spaces on the project "Sustainable Cities for Citizens”). This visit has been instrumental in fostering a long-term collaboration and a strong scientific relationship between the Technical University of Denmark and CNR.
Complex networks are any type of system where multiple elements are connected by different processes influencing the overall functioning and emerging properties. The human brain with its neurons, cities and their streets, and the internet are good examples of complex networks. As a biologist from Brazil, I study ecological trophic networks, also known as food webs, describing feeding interactions among species that transfer energy and matter across ecosystems.
In the contemporary digital age, the proliferation of propaganda and disinformation has emerged as a formidable challenge, particularly in Eastern European societies. These phenomena, fueled by the rapid dissemination capabilities of the internet and social media platforms, have profound implications for the fabric of societies, influencing public opinion, exacerbating social polarization, and undermining trust in democratic institutions.
Spending a month and a half in Pisa was a truly unforgettable experience. I was lucky enough
to join the KDD Lab at the CNR, working alongside the incredible team led by Prof. Luca
Pappalardo. As someone who shares their passion for human mobility research, this visit
wasn’t just professionally enriching—it was personally inspiring too.
One fine afternoon, while I was scrolling through my emails, I received an email from Joanna regarding the acceptance of my SoBigData++ (SBD++) application. As soon as I accepted, I began searching for accommodations, flight bookings, etc. My host, Avishek Anand, had moved to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). Although my SBD++ host institute was Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH), due to time constraints and the need for focused and effective discussion with Avishek, I decided to go directly to TU Delft.
For mathematicians, engaging with academic colleagues from other domains is always a rewarding experience.
The TNA experience has been highly beneficial for my research on immigration and citizenship. During my research stay at the Paris School of Economics, I was able to present my work, gain valuable feedback, and collaborate with my co-authors. These interactions have supported progress on our joint projects, including a correspondence study experiment and an investigation into the unintended consequences of symbolic naturalization reforms.