Alabama Media Group Announces Partnership with Auburn University for Americas Datafest November 2 and 3

Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) October 11, 2013

Alabama Media Group is partnering with Auburn University to participate in Americas Datafest November 2 and 3 at Auburn University and in locations across Alabama and the world. Known to computer programmers as a “hackathon,” teams will gather for a two-day code-writing marathon. The teams will be using technology to analyze data and create solutions to issues facing communities due to population migration.

The topic of population migration is one of international interest. The Datafest Americas brings together experts who examine migration patterns, emerging trends, and the impact on the migrants themselves and the communities they work and live in with computer coding experts who want to solve problems. During the event, teams of computer programmers will spend 48 hours creating a piece of software, a web application, a mobile app, or some other type of digital tool to address migration – or the movement of people – in North and South America. The teams, who must preregister, compete for prizes that are awarded at the end of the weekend-long event.

"I am a strong believer in interdisciplinary team-based collaboration and this event will give computing professionals the opportunity to reinforce the important impact their work can have in any social, economic and politic aspect of the 21st millennium society, " said Auburn University’s Dr. Daniela Marghitu.

Alabama Media Group, a digitally focused media company, envisions its role in bringing the datafest together as an opportunity to collaborate with researchers, computer scientists, social agencies, educators and others to shed light on significant issues in the state and world. "We are helping bring together people who can use data to explain important issues and implement technology-based solutions," said Michelle Holmes, the company's Vice President of Content. "It’s a real evolution of the media's role in the community, and we are proud to partner with Auburn University on this effort."

The company is seeking participation from journalists, data scientists, policy makers, business, social agencies and others interested in the topic. Interested participants do not have to have an existing team but can seek to join others in this effort. Those interested in creating teams, providing resources, or presenting ideas should contact Niki Doyle at ndoyle(at)al(dot)com or at 205-325-3180. Interested participants can register for free at americasdf-auburn.eventbrite.com and additional information about the event can be found at al.com/datafest

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