Resource Registry: University of Pretoria

The Computational Intelligence Research Group (CIRG) focuses on various aspects of fundamental and applied computational intelligence and machine learning research. Nature-inspired algorithms such as artificial neural networks, deep learning methods, self-organizing maps, particle swarm optimization and evolutionary computing are studied both theoretically and practically. Real-life applications include computer vision, data mining and anomaly detection.

Our general areas of work straddle Data Science for Society as well as Local Language Natural Language Processing. These two strands are complementary. Our work in Data Science and Society has allowed us to have a more nuanced approach to understanding the systematic challenges that face being able to do excellent science with local languages. Through Data Science for Society, we have to understand how when one carries through Data Science research, we situate how the users are part of the process. We find that we need to adjust our research to take care of these challenges and innovate in ways we gather direct data or alternative data.

For us, Data Science for Society means being able to improve approaches/methods or scientific tools for DS while enhancing the ways decision-makers can use the insights that come from these tools. Local Language Natural Language Processing is focused on ways to develop new tools, new data and methodology to improve the state of African languages.

The DigiForS research group undertakes research in Digital Forensic Science. DigiForS’s main objective is to find innovative security solutions for state-of-the-art technologies. This includes finding solutions that will help to make emerging technologies safe for use, using security technologies to enable new applications, find solutions that will better protect existing technology, as well as extracting forensically relevant information.

The NICOG research group focuses on solving real-world problems using machine learning and optimisation techniques that take analogies from nature such as genetic algorithms and neural networks.

Publication repository of the Computational Intelligence research group at the University of Pretoria.

Publication repository of the Data Science for Societal Impact research group at the University of Pretoria.

Publication repository of the Nature Inspired Computing optimization research group at the University of Johannesburg.

Involved in geo-informatics, data governance, and management for the GRT-INSPIRED site.

The South African Population Research Infrastructure Network has developed a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), which is a standardised, field-based information system and research platform, with prospective data routinely collected from entire populations at both individual and household levels, in impoverished and developmentally-constrained communities, both rural and urban.

The Gauteng research Triangle (GTR), an initiative taken by the three VC’s of UP, Wits and UJ to jointly create a trans-disciplinary research platform, was successful in it’s bid to manage the Gauteng project, called ‘GRT – INSPIRED: The Gauteng Research Triangle INitiative for the Study of Population, Infrastructure and Regional Economic Development’. Key demographic and health indicators are monitored for a period of 20+ years and more, to inform national policies and program strategies of the Departments of Health, Social Development, Home Affairs, Basic Education, and others. A representative sample of households will participate in the surveys, 50 000 residing in Hillbrow and Joubertpark (site with over-populated high-rise buildings), Johannesburg, and 50 000 residing in Melusi (an informal settlement) and Atteridgeville (a site with formal housing and backyard shacks), Tshwane.

Respository of research datasets at the University of Pretoria.

The Department of Geography, Geoinformatics & Meteorology (GGM) at the University of Pretoria (UP) provides a variety of geospatial information services to UP staff and students. These services include: geospatial data analysis, map visualization techniques, access and management of geographic information as well as GIS Software Support and Training. A mapping service is also available to those that require specific maps for publication or research purposes.

Note: This service is available to UP staff and students only.