This landmark event is organised by the Committee on Data (CODATA) and the World Data System (WDS) of the International Science Council (ISC), and the Research Data Alliance (RDA). It brings together data scientists, researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and data stewards from disciplines across the globe to explore how best to exploit the data revolution to improve science and society through data-driven discovery and innovation. IDW combines the RDA Plenary Meeting, the biannual meeting of this international member organisation working to develop and support global infrastructure facilitating data sharing and reuse, and SciDataCon, the scientific conference addressing the frontiers of data in research organised by CODATA and WDS. Two editions have taken place to date:

IDW 2016, 11–17 September 2016, Denver, Colorado, USA; attended by 840 data professionals and researchers from all disciplines and from across the globe.
IDW 2018, 5–8 November 2018, Gaborone, Botswana; attended by more than 850 international data professionals and researchers.

THE FOUNDING ORGANISATIONS WISH FOR INTERNATIONAL DATA WEEK TO BECOME A BIENNIAL MEETING PLACE FOR THE GLOBAL DATA COMMUNITY. WE ARE THEREFORE INVITING PROPOSALS TO HOST THE THIRD AND FOURTH EDITIONS OF THIS EXCITING EVENT IN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 AND 2023 RESPECTIVELY.

The primary objective of the conference is to bring together a large and representative part of the global data community. IDW 2016 and 2018 were huge successes and we want to continue that trajectory and increase impact. These are important times in the world of data and we seek local partners and a venue that will help us communicate that buzz.

International Data Week is a global and inclusive event. The organisers are keen to engage with cities and countries where we have not held an IDW or related meeting before. The organisers encourage proposals from the global South; proposals from the global North should show how they will work with the organisers to maximise participation from LMICs. Wherever the proposal comes from it will be important to demonstrate how the partnership will advance to missions of the founding organisations, ensure the impact of IDW and enhance membership and engagement with the three organisations.

Applications should demonstrate that local hosts have access to a suitable venue; strong support from local organisations and government; good connections to universities, industry, and research organisations in the country and region; and solid financial support.

We envision IDW 2021 and 2023 as four-day events that integrate the activities of a SciDataCon international conference and an RDA Plenary Meeting. Each IDW is expected to include both research sessions and focused working meetings, as well as broad plenary sessions of general interest. The days before and after each event will be set aside for the business and governance meetings of CODATA, RDA, and WDS, and potentially other co-located meetings.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications should be sent by email to all of the IDW founding organisation representatives listed below no later than 28th October 2019 in electronic format based on the details and template available in the IDW Guidelines document. Linked here

Applications should be addressed to:

Simon Hodson, CODATA Executive Director at simon@codata.org
Hilary Hanahoe, RDA Secretary General, at hilary.hanahoe@rda-foundation.org
Rorie Edmunds, WDS Acting Executive Director, at rorie.edmunds@icsu-wds.org