Data-Empowered Societies
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
Leadership and Project Management Team
- Professors James Hetherington Pro-Vice Provosts (Date-Empowered Societies)
- Allison Littlejohn Pro-Vice Provosts (Date-Empowered Societies)
- Dr James Paskins, Assistant Director Grand Challenges
News highlights
Academic leads appointed for the UCL Grand Challenge of Data Empowered Societies
Professor Allison Littlejohn and Professor James Hetherington have been appointed as Pro-Vice-Provosts to lead the new UCL Grand Challenges Theme of Data Empowered Societies.
Disruptive Voices Episode 8: Data Empowered Societies
Join us in this special episode as we explore UCL's evolved Grand Challenge, which aims to harness the power of data to tackle pressing societal issues and create more Data-Empowered Societies.