Year in Review 2024 – A Remarkable Year for the Mannheim Center for Data Science
In the spring/
On March 14, the popular Academic Speed Dating event was held once again. Prof. Dr. Florian Keusch opened the session with an engaging lecture on the topic, “What Survey Methodology and Data Science Can Learn From Each Other.” Following his talk, five participants presented their research in concise five-minute presentations. Two key resources for researchers at the University of Mannheim were highlighted: the German Internet Panel (GIP) and the newly launched BERD@NFDI platform, which aims to facilitate secure and efficient data exchange within the research community.
From April 5 to 7, the DataFest Germany took place at the University of Mannheim – a highlight for data enthusiasts. Fifteen teams of students from various universities had 48 hours to analyze an unknown dataset, derive insights, and present innovative findings. Additionally, a team of PhD candidates and postdocs from the KODAQS project participated out of competition. Modeled after the American Statistical Association’s DataFest™, the event has been hosted by the University of Mannheim in collaboration with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich since 2015. The MCDS continues to fulfill its mission to inspire and support young talent in data science through this exciting competition.
The newly introduced “MCDS Distinguished Lecture” series debuted on April 9 with a lecture by Prof. Dr. Meeyoung Cha, a researcher at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in South Korea. From June 2024, she will serve as the Scientific Director at the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy in Bochum. Her talk, titled “Making Discoveries for Humanity & Society with Data Science,” received enthusiastic feedback and sparked lively discussions.
During the fall semester, Prof. Dr. Heiner Stuckenschmidt organized the third edition of the interdisciplinary lecture series “Data Science in Action.” The series featured renowned researchers from the University of Mannheim as well as partner universities within the ENGAGE.EU network, including Tilburg University, WU Vienna, NHH Norwegian School of Economics, and the University of St. Gallen. With over 150 registrations, the lecture series underscored the growing significance of data science in academic discourse.
Another highlight was the strong presence of the University of Mannheim at the workshop “Current Developments and Perspectives in Data Science at Universities,” held at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in Wiesbaden during the INFORMATIK 2024 conference. Uni Mannheim representatives presented key projects such as KODAQS, BERD@NFDI, and the center's ongoing initiatives. Participants exchanged experiences, discussed challenges and opportunities of the digital age, and laid the groundwork for sustainable collaboration within the data science community.
The Academic Speed Dating event in the fall semester of 2024 brought together approximately 25 participants on November 7 for an inspiring afternoon of networking, learning, and collaboration at Mannheim Palace. This time, the event was moderated by Christopher Klamm, a doctoral student in the Data and Web Science Group of the Faculty of Business Informatics. The event began with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Margret Keuper, who delivered a captivating talk on “Modern Computer Vision Models – Opportunities and Risks.” Following the keynote, three short yet engaging presentations were given by researchers from the fields of computer science, behavioral economics, and political science.
This year also saw the continuation of the “Data Science Insights” interview series, featuring 12 expert profiles of researchers working in data science at the University of Mannheim. The series highlights the diversity of data-driven work at the university and serves as a platform for networking and fostering collaboration.
The year 2024 showcased the vibrant and dynamic nature of data science at the University of Mannheim. With a clear focus on innovation, fostering young talent, and interdisciplinary networking, the Mannheim Center for Data Science looks forward to an exciting future. We thank all participants for their commitment and look ahead to another year full of inspiring projects, groundbreaking insights, and shared successes.