The newest organization in the Research Computing group has kicked off activities. The UMN Data Science Initiative (DSI) aims to make a mark in data science research, nationally and internationally, by charting new research directions and enabling the development of new methods, datasets, and software that are used to address grand challenges facing Minnesota, the nation, and the world. Since multiple high-quality data science activities already exist throughout the U, the primary focus of the UMN Data Science Initiative is the communication, coordination, integration, and amplification of those activities. The DSI Managing Director, Hayley Borck, began in August 2023. Hiring for additional staff is ongoing.

DSI is now managing the Seed Grant and PhD Graduate Assistantship programs. DSI Seed Grant funds are intended to promote, catalyze, accelerate and advance U of M-based informatics research in areas related to the MnDRIVE initiative, so that UMN faculty and staff are well prepared to compete for longer term external funding opportunities. The MnDRIVE strategic areas include Robotics, Global Food, Environment, Brain Conditions, and Cancer Clinical Trials. The DSI-MnDRIVE PhD Graduate Assistantship Program provides funding for U of M PhD graduate students pursuing research at the intersection of data science and any of the five MnDRIVE areas.

The internal launch of DSI will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 3 – 5:30 p.m., in the President’s Room in Coffman Memorial Union. All are welcome to come get to know the DSI staff, learn about data science research, and enjoy light refreshments.

The first event in DSI’s lecture series, Data Voyages: Exploring Data Science in Unexpected Places, will be a presentation on The Science of Glassworking by Anna Lehner of Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts (link: https://www.mnglassart.org/. The event will be held on Thursday, November 16, 4 – 5 p.m., room 402 Walter. Those interested in attending can RSVP on the Google form.