This partnership between La Sapienza and the Statistics Division (ESS) has been in place since 2016, in efforts to enhance food security and sustainability in agriculture through innovative research, knowledge sharing and capacity development. 

Valérie Bizier, ESS Deputy Director, explained that the course began as an idea to share the FAO programme of work with students in official statistics, helping to promote understanding and collaboration in the field. 

As this series continued from last year, she noted that, “Continued collaboration between FAO and La Sapienza in the context of EMOS helps build long-term capacity by training skilled statisticians and linking academic research with real-world statistical needs.” 

One former La Sapienza student, Francesca Frajese, now an intern in ESS, previously attended these sessions. She said that when she first found out about the sessions, she considered them to be a valuable opportunity to explore the highly relevant topics addressed by FAO in the field of statistics in greater depth. 

“I was particularly interested in learning more about the development of key indicators, advanced data collection techniques and the methodological challenges behind official statistics. The exchange of ideas between students and professionals made the experience very engaging.”  

The seminars include both laboratory activities and theoretical introductions to various topics, based on FAO data archives. 

The coming sessions will cover a variety of topics, such as understanding SDG 14 to national forest monitoring for climate action and will include Organization-wide collaboration.  

In the upcoming sessions, presentations will be given by colleagues in ESS, but also from the Forestry Division (NFO) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI). 

This year, new elements have also been introduced, including geospatial data in crop mapping and official statistics. Renan Serenini Bernardes (ESS), will be presenting this new, innovative component of the series. He explains, “The use of geospatial data has become central in official statistics." 

“At FAO, the application of geospatial data has increased in relevance in recent years, following a global trend. The movement has been driven by many factors such as a huge increase in the availability of this type of data and recent advances in data analysis tools,” he added. 

This seminar will introduce the key concepts related to geospatial data, discuss specific aspects of data collection and analysis, and include a hands-on exercise so participants can produce their first map and better understand the practical applications of these tools. 

Additionally, this year's sessions will also include a unique opportunity that allows students to receive feedback on their projects from FAO subject matter experts. 

From FAO’s perspective, Renan explained, "It is a valuable opportunity to disseminate our work among students and scholars who may be interested in using FAO data for research. It also allows us to strengthen our connection with the academic community.” 

From the students’ side, Francesca also detailed that these sessions are especially beneficial for emerging statisticians, working to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world statistical practice within an international organization such as FAO.  

The seminars dig into not only technical aspects, such as applied methodologies and script demonstrations, but also into broader conceptual questions, such as “How do we really measure hunger?”  

While FAO’s sessions can help students better understand the real impact of official statistics and prepare them to approach global challenges, Francesca added, “Students also often bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and critical questions that may not always emerge in routine professional settings. This interaction can foster intellectual exchange, encourage reflection and ultimately contribute to a dynamic and mutually beneficial dialogue.” 

Within this series, there have been many points of adaptation over the years, based on changing priorities, new and emerging difficulties in the realm of data collection, and lessons learned from past sessions. 

Up to now, each year, the course has only evolved, and FAO aims to continue that evolution in a positive direction. This seminar series will continue through 9 June. 

View all upcoming sessions here.