Unilever Head of Data Science Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar

How can data science and AI drive sustainable innovation in a rapidly evolving world? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar, Data Science and Statistical Leader at Unilever, to explore how these technologies are shaping novel solutions. Unilever is a global leader in consumer goods committed to creating responsible, impactful products that improve lives. Leveraging cutting-edge research and development, the company addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from reducing environmental impact to enhancing well-being.

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Episode Notes

Satya unpacks how Unilever utilizes its database to inform its models and how to determine the right amount of data needed to solve complex problems. Dr. Wattamwar explains why contextual problem-solving is vital, the notion of time constraints in data science, the system point of view of modeling, and how Unilever incorporates AI into its models. Gain insights into how AI can increase operational efficiency, exciting trends in the AI space, how AI makes experimentation accessible, and more! Tune in to learn about the power of data science and AI with Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar.

Key Points From This Episode:

Background on Dr. Wattamwar, his PhD research, and data science expertise.
Unpacking some of the commonalities between data science and physics.
Why the outcome of using significantly large data sets depends on the situation.
The minimum amount of data needed to make meaningful and quality models.
Examples of the common mistakes and pitfalls that data scientists make.
How Unilever works with partner organizations to integrate AI into its models.
Ways that Dr. Wattamwar uses AI-based tools to increase his productivity.
The difference between using AI for innovation versus operational efficiency.
Insight into the shifting data science landscape and advice for budding data scientists.

Quotes:

“Around – 30 or 40 years ago, people started realizing the importance of data-driven modeling because you can never capture physics perfectly in an equation.” — Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar [0:03:10]“Having large volumes of data which are less related with each other is a different thing than a large volume of data for one problem.” — Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar [0:09:12]“More data [does] not always lead to good quality models. Unless it is for the same use-case.” — Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar [0:11:56]“If somebody is looking [to] grow in their career ladder, then it's not about one's own interest.” — Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar [0:24:07]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

‍Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar on LinkedIn

‍Unilever

‍How AI Happens

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