At Data for Policy, we are committed to driving informed, equitable, and sustainable decision-making by harnessing the transformative potential of data, AI and emerging technologies. Our mission is to empower policymakers, industry leaders and academic researchers to collaborate on innovative solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges. Below are some of our latest developments, reflecting the diverse and impactful work we are undertaking:
• Research and Publications: The Data for Policy 2024 Conference Proceedings have been published as a special collection in the open-access, peer-reviewed Data & Policy Journal, in partnership with Cambridge University Press. This collection showcases the groundbreaking research presented by our community at the conference and reflects the critical contributions from our experts on key issues such as AI governance, data-driven policymaking, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Additionally, other special collections of the journal continue to highlight research that pushes boundaries and fosters new knowledge. We encourage you to explore the collection and dive into the insights provided by our diverse community of researchers and practitioners. Explore the special collections here.
• Community Expansion: We are thrilled to announce the continued growth of our editorial committees, with 16 new Area Editors joining across six focus areas, including Digital & Data-Driven Transformations in Governance, Policy & Literacy for Data, and Algorithmic Governance. The expansion of our editorial team reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of global discussions in data and AI governance. Additionally, we have established the Translational Committee, a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between research and policy practice. The committee will ensure that our research has a meaningful impact by guiding policy development and fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The editorial board members play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Data & Policy Journal, contributing to manuscript reviews, providing thought leadership on emerging issues, and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaborations to enrich our community. Get to know our expanding editorial committees better.
• Global Engagement: Our Data for Policy SSA Engagement Programme, supported by the Gates Foundation, continues to strengthen our global network by enhancing participation from Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative is vital for addressing regional challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and financial inclusion. By fostering North-South collaboration, the programme ensures that voices from the Global South are represented in critical discussions surrounding data science and AI, and builds meaningful partnerships between Africa and the rest of the world. Through these collaborations, we aim to promote sustainable development and inclusive policymaking. Learn more about our successful initiative here.
• Data for Policy Conferences: The 8th Data for Policy International Conference held at Imperial College London was a pivotal moment for our community. The theme, “Decoding the Future: Trustworthy Governance with AI?”, attracted numerous academics, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss the evolving role of AI in governance. With insightful sessions from experts such as Jennifer Prendki (Google DeepMind), A. Aldo Faisal (Imperial College London), Russell Wald (Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)), and Andrea Renda (CEPS), participants engaged in meaningful discussions on the need for trustworthy AI, proactive governance models, and ensuring AI serves the public good. The conference also featured thought-provoking presentations from global organisations like UNICEF and Microsoft, emphasizing the critical role of AI in shaping future public policy. Watch the conference highlights here.
• Community Dialogues: Our newly launched Fireside Chat Series is creating a dynamic space for global academics and researchers to come together and exchange ideas on topics like AI ethics, data governance, and emerging technologies. The series fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue and encourages open discussions on the ethical challenges and opportunities of AI in public policy. After two successful sessions, our third Fireside Chat will take place in January, led by Dr. Keegan McBride and chaired by Dr. Johanna Walker. Stay tuned for more details and an exciting lineup of speakers in the coming months! To be informed about the previous sessions, visit this page.
• Data for Policy 2025 (DfP’25) Regional Editions: Looking ahead, the Data for Policy 2025 regional editions will play a key role in expanding global dialogue and fostering inclusive discussions about the future of AI and data-driven policymaking. These editions will be held in multiple locations, including regions in the Global South, further broadening the scope of conversations and increasing participation from underrepresented regions. We invite you to submit abstracts, full papers, and panel proposals for the upcoming Data for Policy 2025 (DfP’25) – Europe Edition. The Call for Submissions is now open, and we encourage researchers, practitioners and policymakers to contribute their work and be part of these important discussions. Details for the Call for Abstracts, Full Papers, and Panel Submissions for DfP’25 – Europe are available here.
At Data for Policy, we are excited about the momentum building in our community and look forward to continuing to work together with our global partners to shape the evolving landscape of data and policy. Our focus remains on fostering innovative solutions to the most pressing global challenges, and we are committed to leveraging the transformative power of data, AI, and emerging technologies to drive positive change.
We encourage you to engage with our initiatives, contribute to our ongoing research and stay connected as we continue to expand our global community!