Join me and all of us here in the School of Data Science on Friday, Nov. 13 for Datapalooza 2026, UVA’s flagship data science conference celebrating data science in action across disciplines and for the public good.
This year’s theme is “The Future of Work, Powered by Data and People.” Data science is changing how we work and the decisions we make. As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, its impact will depend not only on how the technology evolves, but also on the people who build and use it.
Datapalooza will be held Friday, November 13, 8:45pm - 5:45pm here at the University of Virginia School of Data Science in Charlottesville, VA. The main event kicks off at 1pm. Registration is free.
Program Overview
8:45 a.m. — Registration/Check-In Begins
9:30-10:30 a.m. — MSDS Online Breakfast
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Building Tours
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Mixer for Residential & Online Students
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. — Headshots
12:00-1:00p.m. — Networking Lunch
1:10-1:15 p.m. — Kickoff
1:15-2:15 p.m. — Fireside Chat Discussion Panel
2:30-3:30 p.m. — Breakout Sessions
3:45-4:30 p.m. — Keynote
4:45-5:45 p.m. — Reception
Program details
Fireside chat: The Future of Work, Powered by Data and People
We’ll kick off the day with a guided conversation with industry leaders which inspires and explores how Data Science and AI are fundamentally changing how we make decisions and how we work. The conversation will explore the evolving role of data science across industry and society. Panelists will consider the reality that the future of work cannot be shaped by technology alone but must be driven by the choices that people make about how technology is developed and put to use.
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1 | How Do You Become a Data Science Leader?
What does leadership look like in the age of AI? How can leaders harness data and emerging technologies that support teams in making decisions, setting priorities, and driving business. How are leaders thinking about data, AI, and helping to define the human-technology relationship?
Breakout 2 | What Do You Really Want to Know About Working in Data Science?
This is your chance to challenge data science academic and industry leaders to give candid answers and real-world perspectives about what’s happening in the field—as well as their personal journey to and through data science. They will be put in the “hot seat” by our very own students. How did they get here? What trends, tools, challenges, and opportunities are emerging now and in the future? How is industry/higher education thinking about and addressing AI ethics and safety concerns? And where will people be in all of this? Come curious and ready to engage.
Breakout 3 | How Can a Data Scientist Create and Innovate?
Explore how innovators are using data and AI not simply to analyze what already exists, but to create new possibilities. What emerging tools, ideas and experiences are unfolding, and how might you create and innovate as a student, community member, alumni or industry partner?
Keynote
Close out Datapalooza with an inspiring keynote on how thoughtful policy and responsible data practices can help communities thrive.
Reception
Postdoc Research Showcase During Reception