Aindrila Basu wins Consumer Data Research Centre prize

Aindrila Basu, a Data Science and Analytics MSc student at Leeds, was awarded third prize in the Masters Dissertation Scheme 2022 by the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC).

The CDRC scheme provides the chance for Masters students to work directly with industry partners on their dissertation project, and to link academic research to important retail and ‘open data’ sources. This enables students to gain experience analysing large, commercial datasets to solve real problems with guidance from industry experts.

After a competitive application process and interview, Aindrila gained a place on the scheme, working with Kainos Group.

Her dissertation, Recommender Systems: Implementation and Evaluation, aimed to explore different types of recommender systems and evaluate them on transactional data from a renowned fashion retailer. Additionally, Aindrila aimed to integrate her recommendations with the business and marketing strategies of the company.

Reflecting on her dissertation project, Aindrila said: “Initially, it was a little overwhelming for me to research and implement different types of recommender systems. All major industry leaders like Amazon, Netflix, Google use recommender systems on their platform to enhance their users’ experience.” 

“With guidance from my supervisors, I was able to implement three different types of recommender systems and make a comparison between them. I believe that the skills I developed from my Masters course helped me during my dissertation, especially in the research.”

With guidance from my supervisors, I was able to implement three different types of recommender systems and make a comparison between them.

Aindrila achieved a distinction grade and the CDRC awarded her third prize for best dissertation. As one of three winners, she had the opportunity to present her research at an academic conference at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and received a £250 prize.

Aindrila says: “It was a very proud and fulfilling moment as I got to present my research and findings at the conference, which was a huge achievement for me. All my determination and hard work had paid off and landed me this award.”

“The same dissertation also got me a distinction in my Master’s course, and I couldn’t have been prouder. My family, back in India, also rejoiced and were very proud of this achievement.”

It was a very proud and fulfilling moment as I got to present my research and findings at the conference, which was a huge achievement for me.

“This would not have been possible without the University of Leeds and Dr. Luisa Cutillo, who provided us the opportunity to apply for the CDRC Masters Dissertation Scheme. My heartfelt thanks to her for providing me with this opportunity to learn, grow and develop the skills required to be successful in my career. I would also like to thank the team at Kainos Group for their guidance throughout the dissertation.”