Putting values at the heart of data
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Data Sovereignty in the Age of AI: Data Policy in Higher Education
The Association of African Universities (AAU), the Ethical Data Initiative and the University of Nottingham will be hosting a special edition of the Ethical Data Discussion Series to celebrate Africa Universities’ Week 2025 from (November 10–14), marking its. This year marks the 58th anniversary of the Association of African Universities, underscoring the vital role of…
Creative AI Exploration and Imagination: Innovative Methods for Alternative Digital Futures
Artist Jacob van der Beugel recently participated in the International Workshop on Creative AI Exploration and Imagination (1), hosted by the Institute for Communication and Media Science at Leipzig University, by screening his film collaboration with Ethical Data Initiative Research Director Sabina Leonelli, Data Shadows. This participation highlights van der Beugel’s ongoing work at the…
How data and AI are reshaping research categories and methods: implications for disciplinary boundaries and scientific practice
Join us on 15 October 2025, from 10h00-11h30 UTC (12h00-13h30 CET) for the next Webinar in the Research Assessment for Ethics, Data and AI Discussion Series. The world of science is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation, driven by an unprecedented influx of data and the analytical power of AI. Researchers and theorists increasingly regard…
Decolonising Data: Towards Equitable Data Governance and Knowledge Production in Science and Research
Wednesday 8 October, 2025, 12h00-13h30 CET (10h00-11h30 UTC) This Webinar on the topic of Decolonising Data: Towards Equitable Data Governance and Knowledge Production in Science and Research is a special edition of the Ethical Data Discussion Series. The Series is a collaborative initiative between the Association of African Universities, the Ethical Data Initiative (the University…
Do we control our data, or does our data control us? Unpacking the Hidden Power of Recommender Systems
We are pleased to announce the new Ethical Data Initiative research strand, and the thematic topic of our November Townhall meeting: Recommender systems. We all know the feeling: You open Netflix, and BAM, a movie suggestion appears. You scroll TikTok, and every video seems tailor-made to keep you interested. That’s a recommender system at work—the…
Get Involved: Join the next EDI Townhall
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the conversation. The momentum from our Spring event continues with the very first virtual Town Hall Workshop this Autumn. Join us online on Friday 28 November, 2025 from 14h30-17h30 CET (13h30-16h30 UTC). This upcoming meeting offers a flexible and accessible forum for stakeholders to come together to…
Ethical Data Initiative and Fondazione ICSC Forge Partnership to Advance Responsible Data Work
[Date: 15/09/2025] MUNICH, EXETER & BOLOGNA – The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) and the Italian Research Centre on High-Performance Computing, Big Data, and Quantum Computing (Fondazione ICSC), have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership marks a significant step toward a more ethical and responsible future for data, AI, and high-performance computing. The…
Strengthening Integrity in Science and Data: EDI and CWTS Announce Strategic Partnership
The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) and the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering a collaborative partnership to advance responsible data initiatives and enhance communication within the realms of data ethics and scientific governance. This MoU signifies a commitment to…
The Global Metascience Conference 2025
The Global Metascience Conference, this year based in London, will examine how scientific research is conducted, with the goal of enhancing research practices and outcomes. It aims to bring together researchers, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, foster community, and set priorities for future research and interventions. The conference will take place in…
Redefining Power: Data equity and its role in social justice
An Ethical Data Discussion Series Webinar Wednesday June 25, 2025. 10h00-11h30 UTC (11h00-12h30 London time). Data power imbalances highlight the inequalities that exist in how data is owned, managed, and accessed. In today’s digital world, data has become a crucial resource that influences decision making in government, the private sector, and society. However, not everyone…
Upcoming Conference on Advancing Responsible Research Assessment in the Digital Space
On 2 June 2025 (09h00-17h00 CEST), CoARA-ERIP, WG OI4RRA and the Ethical Data Initiative, in collaboration with the European Commission and ENRIO, are organising a hybrid conference at the Palace of the Academies, Brussels, titled, ‘Advancing responsible research assessment systems in the digital space: A dialogue on ethics, integrity, and open infrastructures for research in the AI…
Rethinking Data: Highlights from the Data Shadows UK Film Premiere
On May 19, 2025, the University of Exeter’s Centre for the Study of the Lifesciences (Egenis) and the Ethical Data Initiative hosted the UK premiere of the innovative short film Data Shadows. The film is an exciting collaboration between Cornwall-based artist Jacob Van Der Beugle, scientific philosopher Sabina Leonelli, filmmaker Oliver Page and composer Lucy…
The Ethical Data Initiative and the Research Data Alliance: Working together towards global responsible data sharing
May 2025: The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) and the Research Data Alliance (RDA) are delighted to announce their agreement to cooperate and coordinate efforts for the benefit of their mutual stakeholders. Whereas the Research Data Alliance (RDA) focuses on research data, and The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) focuses on the responsible use of data more…
Data Shadows UK Premiere
Join us for the UK premiere of the groundbreaking short film Data Shadows; where art, science, and philosophy converge. Co-directed by philosopher and data scientist Sabina Leonelli, visionary artist Jacob van der Beugel, and filmmaker Oliver Page, this 20-minute cinematic journey transforms our understanding of data through the lens of nature; soils, stones, and plants.…
The Impact of Data and AI on Research Culture
Join us for the next edition of the Research Assessment for Ethics, Data and AI Discussion Series, presented by the Ethical Data Initiative, CoARA-ERIP, CODATA IDPC, and the EOSC-Future-RDA Artificial Intelligence and Data Visitation Working Group. Wednesday 23 April, 2025 @12h00-13h30 CEST/ 10h00-11h30 UTC (11h00-12h30 BST) In an era marked by rapid digitisation and technological…
Research Assessment in the Digital Environment: A New Era of Ethical Practices in Data and AI
The Research Assessment for Ethics, Data, and AI Discussion Series launched with the aim of addressing the vital need for reform in research assessment practices to reflect the realities of our increasingly digitised world. The event gathered experts, scholars, and practitioners in research governance and digitisation to explore the intersection of research assessment and digital…
Ethical Challenges of Data and Research in Agriculture
Join us for a Webinar exploring the importance of and challenges specific to research and data in agriculture. Thursday 20 March 2025 at 11h00-12h30 UTC Ethical challenges in data and research within the agricultural sector are of growing importance as the industry integrates increasingly advanced technologies and data-driven methodologies. Accurate data is crucial for governance…
Research Assessment in the Digital Environment
Wednesday 26 February, 2025 at 11h00-12h30 UTC (12h00-13h30 CET) Research influences all aspects of our lives, from the products we consume to the healthcare we can hope to receive, even down to the way we conceptualise and interact with the world around us. The rise of digital technologies has transformed the research landscape, facilitating interdisciplinary…
Data Shadows: An Exploration of Data’s Materiality
On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the TUM Think Tank and the Ethical Data Initiative hosted the premiere screening of the artistic film Data Shadows. The event took place at Rio Filmpalast in Munich and featured a thought-provoking panel discussion with the film’s creators: Sabina Leonelli, Jacob von der Beugel, and Oliver Page. Data Shadows is a 20-minute…
Ethical Data Initiative Annual Townhall Event
Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) at the TUM Think Tank and the University of Exeter, we would like to invite you to participate in our first annual multi-stakeholder town hall meeting titled “Shaping the Future of Data Ethics: EDI Town Hall 2025.” The event will take place on March 31,…
Navigating Ethical Challenges in Digital Transformation: Insights from the Ethical Data Discussion Series
The sixth event in the Ethical Data Discussion Series, which centered around the theme “Building Resilient Education Systems through Responsible Research and Innovation,” took place on November 14 as part of the African Association of Universities’ African Universities Day. Panellists discussed the urgent need for ethical data practices and responsible research governance in the face…
Data Shadows: An artistic collaboration
A film collaboration with philosopher and data scientist Sabina Leonelli, co-director and artist Jacob van der Beugel and co-director Oliver Page examining notions of Data Shadows. Step into a world where art, science, and philosophy converge to uncover the unseen dimensions of data. The Ethical Data Initiative invites you to an exclusive screening of Data…
Event: Understanding Misinformation
The Understanding Misinformation Workshop will take place on 9 December 2024 in Munich. The workshop brings together philosophers, social scientists, and students of science and technology studies to discuss what it means to be informed, particularly in light of challenges around misinformation in relation to scientific research and its use as evidence for decision-making. Is…
Building Resilient Education Systems through Responsible Research and Innovation
This Webinar will take place on Thursday 14 November, 2024, from 11h00-12h30 UTC. [Sign up and use the link to access all event in the AAU Day Programme, including this] In light of the African Union’s designation of 2024 as the “Year of Education,” the Association of African Universities has this year decided to focus…
Child Protection in the Age of AI
Last week, the UK and US signed a bilateral agreement focused on improving online safety for children through a new joint working group. This initiative aims to improve research on social media’s impact on young people, promote transparency from digital platforms, and ensure safety in technology, including emerging technologies such as generative AI. In the…
Child Protection in the Age of AI
Tuesday 1 October 2024, 10h00 UTC/ 11h00 BST For more information, please contact: kathryn.bailey@ethicaldatainitiative.org Protecting children online is a pressing concern in today’s digital age. With the widespread use of the internet and social media, children are increasingly susceptible to online threats such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Parents, educators, policymakers and legal…
Gender Disparities in Data and AI: Join the Discussion
The fourth edition of the Ethical Data Discussion Series, Unveiling Bias: Navigating Gender Disparities in Data and AI, which took place on Tuesday, 25th June 2024 is now available to watch online. The Ethical Data Discussion Series, presented by the Association of African Universities, the University of Nottingham, and the Ethical Data Initiative, aims to…
Data Ethics and Responsible Research: Faculty Training in South-East Africa
The Ethical Data Initiative is pleased to announce its partnership with the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) to offer Data Ethics training to faculty and PhD supervisors across Southeast Africa for the second year running as part of a graduate studies supervisor course. This online course aims to equip postgraduate research supervisors with the…
Unveiling Bias: Navigating Gender Disparities in Data and AI
Part of the Ethical Data Discussion Series Tuesday 25 June, 2024, 9h00-10h30 UTC (10h00-11h30 BST) Gender bias in AI and data is a pressing issue that can significantly impact the development and application of technology. Biased data sets and algorithms can perpetuate and exacerbate gender disparities, potentially leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas such as…
The Ethical Data Initiative: Shaping a Responsible Data Landscape
The launch of the Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) marks a significant milestone in the realm of data ethics and governance. In today’s digital age, data plays a pivotal role in shaping our decisions and experiences, often without our explicit knowledge. From the rise in IoT and AI technologies to navigating online platforms, data tracks and…
New Directions for Global Activities in Data Ethics
Ethics, transparency, and trust-building are essential elements of the rapidly evolving data-driven technologies landscape. To address these issues, the Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) and TUM Think Tank organized a workshop titled “New Directions for Global Activities in Data Ethics” in Munich, from 8-10 April. The workshop brought together experts in data and research governance to…
Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Ethical Data in the Age of XAI
The Technical University of Munich, the University of Exeter, and the Ethical Data Initiative are running a multi-stakeholder workshop on Ethical Data in the Age of XAI at the TUM Think Tank in Munich. The event, which will take place on 9 April, 2024, will bring together experts in AI and data ethics, and international…
Work with the EDI Team at TUM Think Tank
The Ethical Data Initiative at the TUM Think Tank is seeking two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers who share a deep interest in exploring educational, social, and governance issues that arise when working with data. The positions, under the Chair of Professor Sabina Leonelli, provide a unique chance to work as part of an interdisciplinary team…
The Ethics of AI and Data in Higher Education
Friday 10 November 2023 at 10h00 GMT The Association of African Universities (AAU), the University of Nottingham, and the Ethical Data Initiative are pleased to invite you to a panel discussion exploring The Ethics of AI and Data in Higher Education. The online event is part of a week-long celebration of Africa Universities’ Day, marking…
G20 New Delhi Declaration: Responsible Artificial Intelligence for “Good and for All”
One of the key outcomes of the G20 Summit held in New Delhi in September 2023 was the International Conference on Open and Fair Data Ecosystem Principles, Policies, and Platforms. The conference brought together policymakers and experts from all over the world to exchange ideas and discuss ways forward. As holder of the G20 Presidency…
Webinar: Data Ethics and Human Rights in the Platform Economy
The second Webinar in the Data Ethics and Responsible Data Discussion Series is now available for you to view. You can watch the full recording below. The online event, hosted by the Association of African Universities, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and the Ethical Data Initiative, dealt with the timely topic of Data…
Data Ethics and Human Rights in the Platform Economy
The Association of African Universities, the University of Nottingham and the Ethical Data Initiative are delighted to invite you to the next Webinar in the Ethical Data Discussions Series: Data Ethics and Human Rights in the Platform Economy. The event will take place on Tuesday 20 June, 2023 at 09h00 GMT (10h00 London time). Together…
Successful Launch to the Campaign for Data Ethics in Education
The African Association of Universities (a University Association counting over 400 Universities across the African Continent), the University of Nottingham and the Ethical Data Initiative launched the Campaign for Data Ethics in Education with a successful online event this week. The event, a panel discussion on Data Ethics Policy in Higher Education, was streamed live…
Data Ethics and RRI: Faculty training in AICAD Universities
The Ethical Data Initiative were delighted to be invited to partner with the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) to deliver Data Ethics training to over 50 data science faculty and PhD supervisors from its consortium of over 20 universities across Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The course took place from 2-15 May, 2023. The graduate…
Data Ethics Policy in Higher Education
The African Association of Universities (a University Association counting over 400 Universities across the African Continent), together with the University of Nottingham and the Ethical Data Initiative, are launching a campaign for the inclusion of Data Ethics in Data Science education on a global scale. The Campaign for Data Ethics in Education seeks to highlight…
The Importance of Data Ethics in Research and Education
The Ethical Data Initiative and the African Institute of Capacity Development (AICAD), hosted a Webinar exploring The Importance of Data Ethics in Research and Education, now available to watch online. We are living in a digitally transformed society. Data drives problem solving and better decision making. While the digital revolution has transformed the way we live, solving many…
The Importance of Data Ethics in Research and Education
We are living in a digitally transformed society. Data drives problem solving and better decision making. While the digital revolution has transformed the way we live, solving many issues; it has also given rise to numerous questions and challenges which affect everyone. What governance policies and frameworks are needed to make sure digital technologies and…
Call for Hosting: Ethical Data Research Centres
We are living in a digitally transformed society. Data drives problem solving and better decision making. While the digital revolution has transformed the way we live, solving many issues; it has also given rise to numerous questions and challenges which affect everyone. What governance policies and frameworks are needed to make sure digital technologies and…
International Geoethics Day 2022: Promoting the UN SDGs
International Geoethics Day will be held this year on the 12th of October. The event, held every year during the Earth Science Week, aims to raise awareness around the ethical, social and cultural implications of geoscience knowledge, education, research, practice and communication. Organised by the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG), Geoethics Day raises awareness…
Why Ethical Data?
Data science has transformed the way we live, solving many issues and providing a wealth of opportunities to improve our lives and our environment. However, the digital revolution has also given rise to questions and challenges that affect everyone.