Workshop 1: The Concept and Practice of Data Storytelling
Find out more about Workshop 1
For early career researchers working at an academic or research institution who wish to enhance their data communication skills.
Dates: Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Lookout Edinburgh Futures Institute.
RSVP: Register here.
Data storytelling is both an approach/framework as well as a tool for data communication. It intersects three integral elements – data, narratives and visuals – and ultimately aims to inspire an action for a change. Data storytelling utilises explanatory (rather than exploratory) approach to data insight. It offers an entertaining, engaging and interactive approach to data communication and builds on the premise that humans naturally favour to communicate, interpret and understand information in a story-like manner. Participants will leave the workshop empowered to understand advantages of data storytelling approach and equipped with skills on how to develop a compelling data story.
The workshop is introductory. To further build up data storytelling skills please check out our advanced programming-oriented workshop Python for Data Storytelling. Participants are strongly encouraged to register for both workshops.
As this is a UKRI-funded project, travel within the UK and accommodation expenses will be covered. Further details will be provided closer to the workshop date.
About the workshop content:
The workshop sets out the motivation and added value for developing stories in preference to undigested facts to communicate data insights. It particularly focuses on the following:
- Why humans like stories?
- Elements and structure of a data story
- A guide to developing a data story
- Data story tools: outliers and visuals
The workshop offers opportunities for participants to apply acquired knowledge through small-group exercises: (1) developing a frame for a data story and (2) effective data visualisation.
Full schedule and logistics details will be sent to participants upon registration. Post-workshop, participants will have access to online practice-led supplementary materials.
Workshop convenor:
Dr. Igor Tkalec, Social Data Institute (SODA), University College London (UCL).The introductory dataset-specific session will be convened by a guest speaker. For any queries about the workshop, please do not hesitate to contact Project Coordinator, Vaishnavi Gondane (ucl.soda@ucl.ac.uk).
Read more about our first workshop here.
The workshop is introductory. To further build up data storytelling skills please check out our advanced programming-oriented workshop Python for Data Storytelling. Participants are strongly encouraged to register for both workshops.
If there are no spaces for the dates for the workshop please do register your interest as there will be multiple iterations of the workshops in 2026
The workshop is free of charge. Bursaries are available to cover participants’ travel and accommodation costs, and further information will be provided upon registration. Please note that travel bursaries are limited to journeys within the UK.
Early career researchers working at an academic or research institution/organisation (based in the UK) who wish to enhance their data communication skills are invited to register. Participants with protective characteristics are especially encouraged to register.
There are no pre-requisites in terms of skills and previous experience for this workshop.
The set of workshops will take place on Thursday 26 & Friday 27 Feb 2026
About the workshop content
The workshop sets out the motivation and added value for developing stories in preference to undigested facts to communicate data insights. It particularly focuses on the following:
- Why humans like stories?
- Elements and structure of a data story
- A guide to developing a data story
- Data story tools: outliers and visuals
The workshop offers opportunities for participants to apply acquired knowledge through small-group exercises: (1) developing a frame for a data story and (2) effective data visualisation.
Full schedule and logistics details will be sent to participants upon registration. Post-workshop, participants will have access to online practice-led supplementary materials.
Workshop convenor
Dr. Igor Tkalec, Social Data Institute (SODA), University College London (UCL).
Introductory dataset-specific session will be convened by a guest speaker.
Contact Us
For any queries about the workshop, please do not hesitate to contact the Project Coordinator Vaishnavi Gondane (ucl.soda@ucl.ac.uk).