As we welcome the New Year, we're excited to share highlights from an incredible year of growth, innovation, and achievement at the Data Science Initiative. Here's a look at how 2024 has set the stage for our continued success: Women in AI and Data Science (WiADS) Conference
This November, the Women in AI and Data Science (WiADS) Conference reached new heights. Hosted at the McNamara Alumni Center, the event featured an exceptional lineup of speakers identifying as women, non-binary, or gender-diverse, with a prestigious keynote from celebrated Author and Data Scientist Cathy O’Niel setting the tone for an inspiring day.
The conference welcomed 670 in-person attendees and over 330 online participants from 378 unique organizations, including leaders like the University of Minnesota, Target, Optum, and U.S. Bank. Attendees praised the quality of discussions, diversity of perspectives, and meaningful connections made throughout the day.
We’re thrilled to announce WiADS will now be an annual event!
Explore recordings and highlights from the 2024 event here.
Spring Research Workshop on Generative AI
The 2024 Spring Workshop on Generative AI was a resounding success! Held from May 22-24, the workshop brought together scholars, practitioners, and students to explore cutting-edge developments in generative AI. Featuring an impressive lineup of speakers—including the Minnesota Secretary of State, leading experts like Dr. Xiao-Li Meng, and UMN faculty—the event fostered meaningful discussions and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Highlights included keynotes on generative AI's challenges and applications in health data, public policy, and societal impacts, along with engaging sessions on AI governance, ethical issues, and innovative research at UMN. Due to the event's success, we’re excited to announce this workshop will now be an annual event, with a focus on different data science and AI topics each year.
Save the Date: Mark your calendars for the 2025 Spring Workshop on AI and Data Science, happening May 29-30, 2025!
Stay tuned for more details on next year’s exciting program.
Access 2024’s keynote recordings and highlights here.
AI Makerspace HoursThis year, we launched the AI Makerspace—a groundbreaking program offering hands-on guidance from AI experts. As one of only a few universities to offer such a resource, the Makerspace is an evolving space for learning and innovation, driving our commitment to democratizing AI education.
RSVP to 2025 makerspace hours!Seed Grants and FellowshipsWe revamped our seed grant program to align with DSI’s mission and strategic goals, launching two new initiatives: Faculty Fellowships and Data Set Grants. These grants, totaling $831,734 in funding, represent one of the largest internal university programs of their kind. - Faculty Fellowships: With 12 applications received, we selected two fellows. This program aims to support faculty in advancing data science research aligned with societal impact.
- Data Set Grants: Out of 22 applications spanning nearly every college, we awarded 5 grants, including 2 large awards (up to $200,000) and 3 small awards (up to $100,000). These unique grants enable faculty to build critical data sets, which will be available to UMN Faculty and Staff upon completion, that can drive future research.
Explore past Seed Grants and Faculty Fellowships and stay informed about upcoming opportunities in 2025. Graduate Assistantships
Our competitive graduate assistantship program received 39 applications this year, with a 30% acceptance rate. We awarded a total of $550,000 to support emerging scholars, ensuring data science education remains a cornerstone of our mission.
Take a look at past assistantship opportunities and stay updated on those being offered in 2025.
Grants and Proposals
Our newly established proposal team hit the ground running this fall, assisting with the submission of 9 proposals and contributing to the development of 3 additional proposals through team-building efforts. The DSI has started offering professional proposal assistance to PI’s with proposals that align with our mission and goals.
Expanding Our Team
To support our continued growth, we’ve added 1 full-time staff member, 1 graduate assistant, and 2 student workers to the DSI. These additions strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality programs and drive impactful research. Stepping into 2025, we’re more committed than ever to advancing data science, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. Thank you for being a part of our journey—we look forward to achieving even greater milestones together in the year ahead! |