MCDS's review of the year 2022
After the Corona pandemic had slowed down many events and activities for a long time, face-to-face meetings could take place again from spring 2022. The MCDS sees itself as a platform with a networking function that connects researchers at the University of Mannheim with each other, but also with stakeholders from business and society. It has fulfilled this function through numerous events:
The first face-to-face meeting took place at the beginning of May with the kick-off meeting of the Data Science Working Circle, which the University of Mannheim Foundation has established in cooperation with the MCDS. The goal of the circle is an intensive exchange between interested entrepreneurs and researchers of the MCDS with regard to specific questions and problems concerning Data Science. Another meeting followed in September.
In June, the MCDS co-hosted the annual CONNECT conference on Data Science at the Mannheim Business School. For the first time, the event was jointly organized by the International Program in Survey and Data Science (IPSDS) and the MCDS. After a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Markus Strohmaier, member of the MCDS Board of Directors, data science experts from academia and practice discussed the topics “Careers” and “Smart Cities” in two panel discussions.
In the fall semester of 2022, MCDS and the European University ENGAGE.EU jointly offered a new lecture series on “Data Science in Action”. Renowned scientists and scholars from engage.eu partner universities Mannheim, LUISS Guido Carli University (Rome) and Toulouse 1 Capitole gave insights into their data-based research. The speakers represented various disciplines, including business administration, computer science, political science, business education, media and communication studies, sociology, psychology and linguistics. Thus, the lecture series represented the relevance of data science in its entire breadth for science and society. The thirteen lectures took place every Thursday at noon on Zoom.
Networking for researchers at the doctoral, post-doctoral, and professorial levels was provided by the Academic Speed Dating on Data Science hosted by MCDS on September 22. Participants presented their research projects in three-minute short talks and then discussed common challenges and cooperation opportunities over coffee and cake. The next Speed Dating will take place on March 9, 2023.
To strengthen science communication in the field of data science, MCDS has published a monthly interview with a researcher at the University of Mannheim since May 2022. The aim of the “Data Science Insights” series is to show the diversity of research and help it gain more visibility inside and outside the university.
MCDS plans to continue these and introduce additional formats in 2023 and is pleased with the high level of interest and participation. Feel free to follow our LinkedIn profile or check this page regularly to stay informed about our activities.