[Geo4All] Bridging the Gap Between Data Science and Ethics at the RDA Plenary

[Suchith Anand]

Dear colleagues,

On 12th March 2026, the Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) community gathered at the TUM Think Tank in Munich for our 2026 Townhall - a day dedicated to bridging the gap between ethical frameworks and practical, real-world implementation. From the power dynamics of Indigenous data sovereignty to the technical nuances of algorithmic fairness, the energy in the room made one thing clear: the future of data must be co-created. 

If you missed this Townhall, the conversation is only just beginning. We have some exciting announcements coming up, and invite you to join our vibrant community as we work to ensure that data-driven research and systems truly serve society.

Join the movement at https://ethicaldatainitiative.org/join-community/

We are thrilled to announce that the Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) will be a key contributor to the inaugural Data Ethics Birds of a Feather (BoF) session at the upcoming 26th Research Data Alliance (RDA) Plenary on 16th March 2026.  This builds upon our close collaboration with the RDA. The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) and the Research Data Alliance (RDA) are working together towards global responsible data sharing. Details at https://www.rd-alliance.org/news/working-together-towards-global-responsible-data-sharing-the-ethical-data-initiative-edi-and-the-rda/

The Research Data Alliance (RDA) Plenary this March marks a pivotal moment for the international data community. The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) is proud to be at the forefront of the inaugural Data Ethics Birds of a Feather (BoF) session, a foundational gathering that bridges the gap between technical data management and the ethical imperatives of our time. As data-driven research and AI development accelerate, the need for a coordinated, cross-sector forum has never been more urgent, and this BoF session is the first step toward creating that space.

A key highlight of the session will be a dedicated spotlight on the Ethical Data Initiative’s mission and current activities. As a central partner in this endeavour, the EDI will share insights into how its ongoing work and existing tools can be leveraged to enhance the BoF’s objectives. This segment will provide participants with a deeper understanding of EDI’s relevance to global data ethics debates and identify specific opportunities for collaboration.

By highlighting our experience, we aim to enhance coherence across disparate scientific infrastructures and strengthen the visibility of ethical considerations. Our goal is to ensure that ethics are treated as a primary requirement, rather than an afterthought, in both AI development and research data management. Identifying these areas of synergy allows the BoF to sit within an existing landscape of ethical discourse while significantly increasing the collective reach of our shared communities.

The session will conclude with a clear call to action and an overview of the proposed next steps for the group. This is intended to be an inclusive, cross-sector forum, and we invite all attendees—from data stewards and policymakers to AI developers—to contribute their expertise to this evolving initiative. The invitation to continue engagement reinforces our commitment to building momentum through subsequent meetings and future working sessions. We look forward to seeing you  to help shape a more ethical and transparent data landscape.

Read more on our website at https://ethicaldatainitiative.org/2026/02/27/strengthening-the-global-dialogue-edi-at-the-rda-26th-plenary/

Best wishes

Suchith (on behalf of the EDI Team)

Professor Suchith Anand
Professor of Practice in Science Policy | Senior Adviser to Governments and International Organisations | Scientist | Global Citizen | Science Diplomacy |  SDG Volunteer and Advocate
https://spspa.exeter.ac.uk/people/profile/index.php?username=sa1131
https://ethicaldatainitiative.org <https://ethicaldatainitiative.org/>
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