As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year defined by global collaboration, intellectual depth, and a shared commitment to ensuring that data and AI serve the public good. Across continents, disciplines, and sectors, the Data for Policy community continued to grow in both scale and diversity, bringing together researchers, policymakers, technologists, and practitioners to address some of the most pressing governance challenges of our time.
A Worldwide Network Driving Data-Informed Governance
This year reaffirmed the truly global nature of the Data for Policy community. Spanning Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond, our network strengthened bridges between data science, policy research, and real-world governance, fostering dialogue that is interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and grounded in ethical reflection. These global connections were brought to life through a series of in-person gatherings hosted in key policy and academic hubs.
A Year of Conferences and Conversations
This international collaboration took concrete form through two landmark conferences. The first, Data for Policy 2025 – Europe, was hosted at Leiden University in The Hague, one of Europe’s foremost centres for policymaking and governance. The European edition focused on “Twin Transitions in Data and Policy for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” With 120 participants from five continents and 80 peer-reviewed presentations, the conference explored algorithmic governance, digital twins for urban resilience, participatory policymaking, open data infrastructures, and ethical frameworks for AI in the public sector.
Contributions from academia, government, and civil society highlighted both opportunities and risks in data-driven governance. The conference concluded with a memorable networking dinner by the sea, creating space for informal exchange and strengthening cross-sector relationships beyond the lecture hall. 📘 The Conference Book of Abstracts is openly available on Zenodo.
The second major gathering, Data for Policy 2025 – Asia-Pacific edition convened around 100 participants under the theme “Advancing AI: Innovations, Governance, and Ethical Frontiers.” Hosted by Tongji University and the Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, the conference featured 42 presentations spanning healthcare AI, autonomous and reconfigurable robotics, adaptable governance models, and ethical and philosophical approaches to AI.
The programme included keynote and panel contributions from leading figures such as Prof Huiling Jiang, Prof Jamie Paik, Prof David Barber, Prof Jon Crowcroft, and Prof Weiwen Duan, among many others. Academic discussions were complemented by cultural and social activities, fostering collaboration and long-term international partnerships. 📘 The Conference Book of Abstracts is available on Zenodo.
Keynote talks and panel discussions from both conferences can be watched on the Data for Policy YouTube channel.
Across both conferences, more than 200 participants contributed 122 presentations, cultivating high-quality dialogue on algorithmic governance, digital twins, autonomous systems, healthcare innovation, and the ethical dimensions of AI. Our keynote speakers offered compelling insights into how technology can be harnessed to serve society rather than dictate it.
The Launch of the Digital Statecraft Academy (DSA)
A major milestone in 2025 was the launch of The Digital Statecraft Academy (DSA), a global hub dedicated to developing the next generation of visionary leaders in digital governance. The Academy equips policymakers, public leaders, and technologists with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to navigate the complexities of the algorithmic age.
Complementing this initiative, we released the Digital Statecraft Manifesto V1.0, a foundational document articulating shared principles for ethical, evidence-based, and inclusive digital governance. The Manifesto provides both inspiration and practical guidance for DSA programmes and the wider Data for Policy community.
Preparations are now underway for the inaugural DSA Cambridge Fellowship cohort, reinforcing our commitment not only to dialogue, but also to long-term capacity-building for public leadership worldwide.
Beyond Conferences: A Vibrant Year of Engagement
Beyond our flagship events, 2025 was a year of sustained engagement and community dialogue.
Data for Policy hosted seven Fireside Chat sessions throughout the year, providing space for reflective, in-depth conversations on how digital infrastructure is reshaping state capacity and resilience. Discussions unpacked the implications of the EU AI Act, the global expansion of affordable AI, and the evolution of open data. Sessions also examined comparative approaches to AI regulation across borders, emerging strategies for transparency and accountability in AI systems, and the role of data in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Later conversations focused on strengthening research quality, reproducibility, and data integrity within the data-for-policy ecosystem.
Complementing these discussions, three webinars, delivered in partnership with Cambridge University Press, translated cutting-edge research into policy-relevant insights:
- Data for Peace: Prof Stefaan Verhulst (The GovLab, NYU; Editor-in-Chief, Data & Policy; Director, Data for Policy CIC), Michele Giovanardi (CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation), Dr Evelyne Tauchnitz (University of Lucerne), and Dr Martin Wählisch (University of Birmingham) explored how AI, machine learning, and frontier technologies can support early warning systems, conflict prevention, and humanitarian aid while navigating ethical and dual-use risks. Moderated by Dr Innar Liiv (Tallinn University of Technology).
- Anticipating Migration for Policymaking: Editors Matteo Fontana (Royal Holloway, University of London), Anna Maria Rosińska (European Commission JRC, Knowledge Centre on Migration & Demography), Damien Jusselme (IOM – UN Migration), and Stefaan Verhulst discussed advanced forecasting methods, AI-enabled modelling, participatory foresight approaches, and ethical safeguards to ensure migration policy protects human rights.
- From ‘Wild West’ to Responsible AI Testing: Facial Recognition Technology: Karen Yeung (University of Birmingham), Wenlong Li (Zhejiang University), and Pete Fussey (University of Southampton) examined live facial recognition trials by European law enforcement, highlighting human rights implications and proposing principled frameworks for ethical, responsible, and legally compliant AI testing in real-world settings.
All Fireside Chats and webinars are available to watch in full on the Data for Policy YouTube channel.
Data & Policy Journal: A Year of Record Impact
2025 was also a milestone year for the Data & Policy journal, reflecting its growing influence across research and policymaking communities:
- 186 submissions, the highest number to date
- 3.5 CiteScore (Q1 in Social Sciences Miscellaneous)
- 2.7 Impact Factor (Q2 in Public Administration)
- 52 citations in major policy documents from the OECD, United Nations, European Union, and the Peace Research Institute
Journal-linked webinars further strengthened the bridge between scholarship and practice, showcasing special collections on data for peace and anticipating migration for policymaking.
Looking Ahead
As we enter 2026, the Data for Policy conferences, the Data & Policy journal and The Digital Statecraft Academy will continue to serve as platforms for evidence-based, interdisciplinary, and globally inclusive dialogue. Together, we will advance responsible AI, ethical governance, and data-driven policymaking that genuinely benefits society.
We are profoundly grateful to every member of our community. Your research, insights, and commitment made 2025 a year of extraordinary achievement.
From all of us at Data for Policy, we wish you a joyful, healthy, and inspiring New Year. We look forward to continuing this journey together, shaping the future of digital governance. ✨