A week of presentations and workshops around all things data, presented by Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University Libraries, Office of the Provost, Digital Intelligence & Innovation (DI2) Accelerator and the Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics (I2DB).
Inaugural WashU Data Viz CompetitionEntries are due by Thursday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in the inaugural WashU Data Viz Competition. Participants will compete to transform a provided data set into an engaging visual story, either individually or as part of a team. Prizes are awarded to the top three entries in the student and faculty/staff divisions. Additionally, a People’s Choice Award will be selected at the awards reception on Feb. 13. |
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FAIR or FOUL? Introduction to Good Data DocumentationMonday, Feb. 10 | 1–3 p.m. | Instruction Room 2, Olin Library (Danforth Campus) and Virtual Rhiannon Iha
Chemistry Subject Librarian Join us to learn best practices for documenting data, documentation tools, and work on documentation of a dataset. |
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The 3D Data Ecosystem: Creation, Ownership, and ImpactMonday, Feb. 10 | 3–5 p.m. | Instruction Room 2, Olin Library (Danforth Campus) and Virtual Zachary O’Connor
3D Technical Specialist Harper Tooch
3D Visualization Specialist This two-part workshop delves into the dynamic realm of 3D data, from its creation and ownership to its transformative applications in 3D design, 3D printing, 3D scanning, and virtual reality. Part 1 is an informative session that explores the lifecycle of 3D data—from its creation and acquisition to issues of ownership, accessibility, and integration into cutting-edge technologies. During part 2, participants will have the opportunity to experience live demos exploring virtual reality and gain hands-on insight into how 3D data shapes immersive environments. |
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I2DB Scientific Symposium: Bridging Causal Inference and Data Science to Advance MedicineWednesday, Feb. 12 | 11 a.m–5 p.m. | Eric P. Newman Education Center (Medical Campus) Miguel Hernán, MD, DrPHProfessor and Director of CAUSALab Harvard University Join us for I2DB’s Annual Scientific Symposium. This year’s event will feature a keynote address by Miguel Hernan, MD, DrPH, focusing on formulating well-defined questions for actionable causal inference and recognizing the complementarity of randomized and observational studies. The symposium will also include research presentations and opportunities for networking with leading experts in the field. Watch recordings:
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Advancing a Modernized Biomedical Data EcosystemThis session was originally scheduled for Love Data Week 2025 but was cancelled due to policy changes affecting NIH staff participation in events. The webinar was rescheduled and successfully held on June 5, 2025. Thursday, Feb. 13 | 10–11:30 a.m. | Virtual Ishwar Chandramouliswaran Join Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Lead Program Director at the NIH’s Office of Data Science Strategy, for a comprehensive webinar on the FAIR Data and Resources Unit’s strategy and initiatives. This unit is dedicated to modernizing the biomedical data resource ecosystem through leadership, strategic planning, and NIH-wide coordination. Through this webinar you’ll gain insights into the NIH’s initiatives, explore collaboration opportunities, and learn how to promote/adopt FAIR data practices in biomedical research. |
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How Data Viz Can Save the WorldThursday, Feb. 13 | 2:15–3:45 p.m. | Emerson Auditorium, Knight Hall (Danforth Campus) or Virtual Stephanie Evergreen, PhDCEO Evergreen Data We all have an ethical responsibility to do our data visual justice – to give it more life in our worlds, no matter how big or how small. You might think that taking the time to present your data effectively won’t really make a difference. And that’s the kind of thinking that will ensure it does not. No matter the size of your stage, your data can help us meet the most pressing challenges of our time with a clear message that will persuade others to change their actions and help save the world. |
WashU Data Viz Competition Awards ReceptionThursday, Feb. 13 | 4–6 p.m. | Frick Forum, Knight Hall (Danforth Campus) Following Stephanie Evergreen’s presentation on data visualization, the WashU community is invited to view the WashU Data Viz Competition entries at the awards reception where the top visualizations will be showcased and attendees can vote to determine the People’s Choice Award. |
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Seeing Data Clearly: Visualization Literacy in a Data-Driven WorldFriday, Feb. 14 | 10–11 a.m. | Virtual Alvitta Ottley, PhDAssociate Professor Computer Science & Engineering Visualization literacy—the ability to interpret, evaluate, and create meaningful visual representations of data—is essential for informed decision-making in today’s data-driven world. This talk delves into the process of developing a concise and accurate assessment tool for measuring visualization literacy, focusing on its design, implementation, and refinement. Additionally, it highlights ongoing efforts to adapt and expand the tool for more generalized and global contexts, addressing the challenges of balancing simplicity, precision, and cultural relevance. This session serves as a call to action, encouraging participants to actively advance visualization literacy as a critical global initiative. |
Sponsored by:
Medical Library
University Libraries
Innovation (DI2) Accelerator
Data Science and
Biostatistics (I2DB)