Machine Learning Improved Greece’s Border Screening for COVID-19

Travel in Greece was safer in the summer of 2020, thanks to a new approach to COVID-19 border screening developed by Hamsa Bastani and collaborators. A new study in Nature demonstrates how Eva—a machine-learning system using up-to-date data on incoming travelers and their COVID-19 test results—helped Greece open for tourism.

Operations Information and Decisions

Ubiquity of Data

Breaking ground at Penn’s cutting-edge data science hub

On October 1st, School of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Vijay Kumar, President Amy Gutmann, naming donor Harlan Stone, and Penn Engineering Board Chair Rob Stavis broke ground on the new data science building on the corner of 34th and Chestnut Streets. Stone also unveiled the building’s official name, Amy Gutmann Hall.

Computer and Information Science
Electrical and Systems Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Ubiquity of Data

New mathematical tools to study opinion dynamics

Using tools from the field of topology, Robert Ghrist and Ph.D. graduate Jakob Hansen developed a framework to track how opinions change over time in a wide range of scenarios, including ones where individuals can use deceptive behaviors and propaganda agents can drive a group’s consensus.

Mathematics

Ubiquity of Data

Penn Media Accountability Project (PennMAP) Research and Outcomes to Expand Thanks to Leadership Gift

The Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania recently announced the expansion of the Penn Media Accountability Project (PennMAP), an interdisciplinary, nonpartisan research project dedicated to enhancing media transparency and accountability, led by Warren Center affiliate Duncan Watts.

Communication
Computer and Information Science
Operations Information and Decisions

Ubiquity of Data

Kevin Werbach wins Aspen Institute award for legal studies course

Kevin Werbach was announced as one of eight recipients of the Aspen Institute's Ideas Worth Teaching Award for his course on "Big Data, Big Responsibilities: The Laws and Ethics of Business Analytics." The award recognizes courses that highlight important emerging ideas about the role of business in creating an inclusive environment.

Legal Studies & Business Ethics

Ubiquity of Data

Should U.S. Companies Stop Relying on China?

Although well past the initial shock wave of the pandemic, industries across the spectrum are still grappling with ripple effects that threaten to sink profitability. Gad Allon spoke with Wharton Business Daily about why businesses need to rethink their reliance on China as a supplier.

Operations Information and Decisions

Ubiquity of Data

HIPAA at 25 Remains a Work in Progress

HIPAA has delivered meaningful benefits to consumers but still needs updating to address new and emerging privacy challenges, writes Anita Allen in her recent Regulatory Review op-ed.

Law
Philosophy

Ubiquity of Data

Lyft And Uber Prices Are High. Wait Times Are Long And Drivers Are Scarce

In this recent NPR article, Gad Allon comments on the new ride-hailing app norm: pricey fares and extended waits, as Lyft and Uber grapple with a driver shortage that has riders feeling the pain and the companies sweetening the pot to entice more drivers on the road.

Operations Information and Decisions

Ubiquity of Data

A New Digital Age Privacy Protection Agency Holds Promise

Data privacy regulation in the United States is overdue for an upgrade. Anita Allen addresses the potential ramifications of the Data Protection Act of 2021, which would strengthen public safeguards over big data.

Law
Philosophy

Ubiquity of Data

Pandemic amnesia: Have we forgotten what we learned about PPE shortages?

"COVID-19 will continue to affect our lives on several levels; it has us questioning vital decisions such as where we really want to work or live. But it’s also important for us to start questioning the products we buy and from where we buy them, to question our role as customers, citizens and community members," writes Gad Allon.

Operations Information and Decisions

Ubiquity of Data

News

Machine Learning Improved Greece’s Border Screening for COVID-19

Breaking ground at Penn’s cutting-edge data science hub

New mathematical tools to study opinion dynamics

Penn Media Accountability Project (PennMAP) Research and Outcomes to Expand Thanks to Leadership Gift

Kevin Werbach wins Aspen Institute award for legal studies course

Should U.S. Companies Stop Relying on China?

HIPAA at 25 Remains a Work in Progress

Lyft And Uber Prices Are High. Wait Times Are Long And Drivers Are Scarce

A New Digital Age Privacy Protection Agency Holds Promise

Pandemic amnesia: Have we forgotten what we learned about PPE shortages?