It is not easy to present one's own research project in an understandable way in less than five minutes. However, the thirteen speakers who took part in the MCDS Academic Speed Dating on Data Science on 22 September 2022 succeeded brilliantly. Using original examples, clear graphics and concise tables, they managed to give the audience an insightful view of their work in the short time allotted. All presentations were structured along the three themes of (main) research question, data used and challenges in the project. A wide range of disciplines were represented, from business administration and economics to computer science, psychology and English studies. Nevertheless, there were clear commonalities in the challenges faced by the PhD students, post-docs and professors, so that after the presentations there were lively discussions in two topic groups, which were moderated by the directors of the MCDS. Over coffee and cake, the participants continued to exchange ideas about their research projects at the subsequent get-together.
After this successful relaunch of the series, the Academic Speed Dating will take place every semester in the future. The next date is planned for spring 2023 and will be announced soon.