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UCL Grand Challenges

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Data-Empowered Societies

The Grand Challenge of Data-Empowered Societies explores data and technology can be used to solve global challenges while ensuring fairness, inclusion, and societal benefit.

The challenge


As data-driven technologies rapidly evolve, society faces both opportunities and risks. While data can unlock solutions to pressing global issues, there are growing concerns about privacy, fairness, and inclusion. Unequal access to data, misuse, and the ethical use of technology present significant challenges in creating a society empowered by data, not hindered by it.

What UCL is doing


UCL’s Data-Empowered Societies theme fosters interdisciplinary research and collaboration to develop ethical, inclusive, and innovative approaches to using data. By addressing challenges in healthcare, climate change, and inequality, UCL researchers work with global partners to harness data for social good. The theme also ensures that technological advancements empower communities, protect privacy, and promote equity.

Who is involved?


  • UCL Faculty and Researchers in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Ethics, and Law
  • Industry Partners and Tech Innovators
  • Policy Experts and Government Bodies
  • NGOs and Community Organisations

Professor Allison Littlejohn and Professor James Hetherington have been appointed as Pro-Vice-Provosts to lead the new UCL Grand Challenges

Leadership and Project Management Team

News highlights


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