Data for Policy 2021 – Lessons for Policy-Data Interactions after Covid-19

The Data for Policy conference series is the premier global forum for multiple disciplinary and cross-sector discussions around the theories, applications and implications of data science innovation in governance and the public sector. Its associated journal, Data & Policy, published by Cambridge University Press has quickly established itself as a major venue for publishing research in the field of data-policy interactions. Both the conference and the journal receive valuable support from their sustainer partners: the Alan Turing Institute, the Office for National Statistics and UCL.

Convening for the sixth time in September 2021, the International Organisation Committee for the conference invites Paper and Panel Session proposals at the conference to be also considered for potential post-conference publications in Data & Policy (subject to peer-review). There are six broad, interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral areas of interest, which form the standard tracks of the conference. Following the momentous events of 2020, the International Committee and organisers wish to recognise the additional focus on data throughout the whole of society as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the opportunities this creates for learning about and developing data and policy interactions.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and uncertainties about the safety of travel, the International Conference Organisation Committee has decided to hold the Data for Policy 2021 meeting virtually replacing the physical meeting scheduled for 14-16 September at UCL, London. This decision was not taken lightly but we believe this is the correct decision since we are, first and foremost, committed to protecting our delegates’ health and safety while fulfilling our central purpose as a top international forum bringing together key stakeholders in this space.