About the Institute for Data Science

The Institute for Data Science (IDAS) is Durham University's newest Research Institute, serving as a hub for researchers using and advancing all aspects of data science. We transcend traditional academic boundaries, fostering collaborative innovation across disciplines.

What is Data Science?

Data science is a broad and rapidly evolving field that combines mathematics, statistics, domain expertise, and computer science. Its unprecedented achievements in recent years have led to its mainstream adoption and integration into nearly every discipline, including the arts, humanities, business, and social sciences.

At IDAS, we view data production (simulation), data analysis (learning), data inference, high-performance computing, high-throughput computing, edge computing, and related areas as integral components of modern science.

Our Strategic Pillars

While domain expertise in data science resides within individual departments and research institutions, IDAS focuses its operational priorities on three strategic pillars:

1. Computational Infrastructure and Methodological Advancement

• Identifying research questions that could be addressed through order-of-magnitude improvements in computational efficiency
• Exploring research opportunities enabled by significant expansion of dataset scale beyond current limitations
• Determining necessary research advances and infrastructural requirements to achieve transformative capabilities

2. Ethical and Societal Implications

• Addressing the broader implications of advanced data processing and generation capabilities
• Facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and dialogue on ethical considerations, impacts on research ecosystems, effects on daily life, and business applications

3. Cross-Sector Implementation and Support

• Providing strategic seed funding, event support, workshops, training, industry engagement, and resources for project dissemination and knowledge transfer
• Facilitating the development and implementation of novel data science initiatives that integrate multiple disciplines and sectors

Through these coordinated efforts, IDAS will advance Durham's position at the forefront of data science innovation while ensuring that such advances serve the broader academic community and society at large.

Get Involved

Whether you're a researcher, student, industry partner, or interested member of the public, there are many ways to engage with IDAS:

• Explore our current research projects and publications
• Attend an upcoming event or workshop
• Propose a new research collaboration or project
• Apply for seed funding or other support
• Connect with our team of experts
• Stay informed about the latest IDAS news and opportunities