Data Transfer Initiative

Broadening Access to Data Science Education in High School and Higher Education through Open Source Tools, Infrastructure, and Training

Equitable data science education requires a multifaceted approach, involving high school and higher education, community involvement, and accessible tools. A renewed investment in public digital infrastructure is needed to support these efforts. Nonprofits play a crucial role in supporting these efforts, and increased representation in leadership can enhance their impact. By addressing these disparities, we can ensure a more inclusive future in data science.

A Polycentric Governance Lens on Data Infrastructures

Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) - Funding policies for data infrastructure promote open data sharing to drive positive social impact. However, concerns regarding the long-term management...

A Polycentric Governance Lens on Data Infrastructures

Funding policies for data infrastructure promote open data sharing to drive positive social impact. However, concerns regarding the long-term management of data within and across distributed infrastructures can hinder data sharing. We draw upon the concept of polycentric governance to demonstrate how collaborative practices of data curation, in preparing and maintaining data for (future) sharing, provide a solid foundation for understanding data governance within data infrastructures. Based on a qualitative case study of a distributed ecological network, we investigate the conditions under which data are managed as a shared resource by local actors to ensure the long-term (re)usability of data. We contribute to CSCW by conceptualising data curation as a complex form of governance practice with multiple centres of decision-making, each of which operates with some degree of autonomy in data infrastructures. A polycentric governance lens on data infrastructures advances the CSCW conception of data curation as a collective governance practice that can cultivate a data democracy culture within and across organisations, empower individuals to be accountable for their data, and foster a mindset shift toward decentralised data governance.

Democratizing Data

Democratizing Data builds a community-driven data ecosystem by identifying how datasets are used and reducing barriers to accessing high-quality public data. The initiative enhances the discoverability, usability, and relevance of data for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholder communities. A suite of tools and strategic partnerships supports this work by connecting users to the data, insights, and networks needed to inform decisions and generate impact.

Data Feminism

Today, data science is a form of power. It has been used to expose injustice, improve health outcomes, and topple governments. But it has also been used to d...

Can “Conscious Data Contribution” Help Users to Exert “Data Leverage” Against Technology Companies?

Tech users currently have limited ability to act on concerns regarding the negative societal impacts of large tech companies. However, recent work suggests that users can exert leverage using their role in the generation of valuable data, for instance by withholding their data contributions to intelligent technologies. We propose and evaluate a new means to exert this type of leverage against tech companies: "conscious data contribution" (CDC).

Fed up with Big Tech, communities turn to data collectives for control

Data collectives and cooperatives, which let creators control the collection and distribution of their data, are emerging as preferred alternatives to big tech companies.

USB Club

A social file exchange.

15 Open-Source Tools for Digital Sovereignty (2026) | Comparisons & Alternatives | Vucense

Own your digital stack. The 15 best open-source tools for privacy, security, and full control over your data — reviewed and ranked for 2026.

Getting Started

Welcome to DataCite DataCite is a leading global non-profit organization that provides persistent identifiers (DOIs specifically) for research data and other research outputs. If your organization has joined DataCite as a Direct Member, a Consortium Lead, or as part of a Consortium, we welcome you t...

Resources for Sex Workers & Survivors of Sex Trafficking

We're a nonprofit organization that empowers sex workers & survivors of sex trafficking through resources and support. Volunteer or donate today.

Project Liberty Institute Launches Landmark Recommendations of its Fair Data Economy Task Force - Project Liberty

“The digital revolution promised opportunity for all. Instead, we’ve witnessed the unprecedented concentration of our data and power in the hands of a few. At Project Liberty, we believe it’s time to start building the digital future we all deserve,” said Frank McCourt, Founder of Project Liberty. “This report is a call to action. Our […]

National Data Platform Receives NSF Category I Award to Expand AI-Ready Data Infrastructure for U.S.

UC San Diego researchers will lead a collaborative project to expand a national platform connecting data, computing and AI resources to empower nationwide researchers and educators.