2 October 2025

In the October newsletter that was previously sent out, a link was missing from highlighting our members sessions at International Data Week 2025. That story has been updated. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued engagement with the World Data System.

Registration is now open for the regional sessions of the World Data System Members Forum 2025, and we invite the entire community, not just WDS members, to participate. This event is a valuable opportunity to showcase your organization’s achievements, engage with a global network, and join meaningful discussions that advance data sharing and stewardship worldwide. You can register for the session(s) most convenient for you on our website.  

As part of this year’s Forum, we encourage everyone to complete a brief survey on sustainability and emerging technologies in data repositories—your input will help shape future WDS resources and services. Member organizations are also asked to submit a short report or presentation (video or oral) highlighting recent developments, priorities for 2025–2027, and suggestions for how WDS can support your goals. Full details, including survey access and submission instructions, are available on the Members Forum webpage.  

We look forward to your participation and to connecting with you online at the Forum! 

The World Data System is proud to celebrate the active engagement and leadership of its members and partners at International Data Week 2025. To showcase the valuable contributions of our community, we are highlighting the conference sessions, presentations, and posters organized by WDS members and partners. We invite you to explore the list and join us in recognizing the expertise, innovation, and collaboration that our members bring to the global data community. 

Whether you’re across the globe or just down the street, you can still be part of this year’s International Data Week—no travel required! We are excited to offer virtual registration, ensuring everyone can participate in this vibrant global event. Virtual attendees enjoy live access to all conference sessions through our interactive online platform, connecting you instantly with fellow delegates, speakers, and exhibitors. 

Plus, your registration unlocks exclusive networking opportunities and gives you three months of on-demand access to session recordings after the conference ends. That means you can catch up on any talks you miss or revisit your favorite presentations at your convenience. Don’t let geography hold you back—register today and join the conversation shaping the future of data worldwide! 

Are you getting ready to present a poster or chair a session at IDW2025? Make the most of your experience by staying informed and fully prepared! Be sure to review all key updates and communications from the conference organizers so you can participate with confidence and connect effectively with your peers. You can recap the presenter guidelines here and the poster information here! 

Are you or someone you know an Early Career Researcher eager to showcase their work on a global stage? The 3-Minute Scientific Research Pitch Competition at International Data Week 2025 is the perfect opportunity, and this is your last opportunity to submit. Attendance is restricted to registered delegates of IDW2025. 

Date & Time: 13 October 2025, 14:30 AEST (local time)  
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre  

This exciting competition offers participants the chance to:  

Application deadline: 3 October 2025  

We are delighted to congratulate Scientific Committee member Christine Choirat on being named to the Top 100 Women in AI & Data – Switzerland 2025, a prestigious report celebrating the pioneers and leaders advancing artificial intelligence in one of Europe’s foremost innovation hubs. After transitioning from academia to government service five years ago, Christine has become a driving force for mission-driven innovation in the public sector, championing rigorous, lawful, and ethical solutions to real-world challenges. As the leader behind Lomas, Switzerland’s first open-source platform for confidential data analysis, she has enabled privacy-preserving research on sensitive data at a national scale. Christine’s commitment to equitable technology and her advocacy for greater female representation in AI strategy underscore her leadership. She is head of the Data Science & AI section at the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 

CoreTrustSeal’s online application management tool will be closed for the last two months of 2025 as they update to the new 2026-2028 requirements, which will be valid starting 1 January 2026. Applications submitted before then will still be processed during this time and will be reviewed according to the 2023-2025 requirements.  

The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) stands as a vital coordinating body dedicated to enhancing and ensuring the delivery of Southern Ocean data across nations, organizations, programs, and stakeholders. Established in August 2011 with its International Project Office hosted by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania, SOOS is a joint initiative of the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). By bridging both Antarctic and oceanographic communities, traditionally separated by geographic and institutional boundaries, SOOS provides essential infrastructure for sustained, integrated, and multidisciplinary observations, helping synthesize diverse datasets to better understand the critical role of the Southern Ocean in the Earth System. 

As a partner member of WDS since 2018, SOOS exemplifies the principles of international collaboration, open data stewardship, and advancement of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data. Their recent publication, “SOOSmap: Your gateway to Antarctic data discovery,” highlights innovative approaches to data integration and collaborative management in polar science. Featuring contributions from Chantelle Verhey (WDS-ITO staff) and Johnathan Kool (WDS Scientific Committee), this article showcases how SOOS’s networked systems empower researchers worldwide to access high-quality Antarctic research data, advancing both scientific discovery and global data sharing. Through its ongoing efforts, SOOS continues to build strong partnerships that align closely with the WDS mission of supporting community-defined objectives and enabling transformative research across disciplines. 

DataCite is an international community dedicated to making research outputs and resources openly available and interconnected, enabling their reuse to advance knowledge across disciplines both now and into the future. By providing robust metadata that links samples, images, data, and preprints, DataCite empowers researchers to discover, cite, and reuse a wide range of research outputs. Their services support the creation and management of persistent identifiers (PIDs), streamline workflows, and facilitate interoperability with other infrastructure providers like Crossref, ORCID, and the Research Organization Registry (ROR). DataCite’s commitment to reliability, transparency, trust, and inclusivity ensures that their infrastructure remains sustainable and accessible to a diverse global community. 

As an associate member of WDS since 2014, DataCite aligns closely with WDS’s mission to promote open data stewardship, interoperability, and adherence to best practices such as the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. Through integrated services and collective registration efforts, DataCite helps maximize the impact of research by connecting outputs, supporting compliance, and enabling efficient resource sharing. Their transparent decision-making processes and active engagement in the Open Science community reinforce their position as a trusted partner for WDS members and stakeholders worldwide. By simplifying implementation and offering extensive support and documentation, DataCite contributes significantly to advancing global scientific collaboration and the responsible management of research data. 

The early bird rate for registration to 2026 Charleston Conference Asia, to be held at the Royal Orchid Sheraton in Bangkok, Thailand, 26-28 January 2026, is ending soon! Attendees will have access to all conference sessions and events, including keynote presentations, interactive workshops, poster sessions, and sponsored activities, along with valuable networking opportunities to connect with librarians, scholarly publishers, and vendors.  

With a philosophy rooted in welcoming new voices and valuing all perspectives, Charleston Conference Asia aims to unite library and publishing professionals from across Asia, Oceania, and Middle East/North Africa. The event will provide a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge, sparking innovation, and building a global community within the information industry.  

The early bird rate ends 10 October, with full price registration open until 9 January 2026.

Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) North America is a leading conference for open geospatial technology and business, bringing together technologists, end-users, academics, and decision makers in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

The event to be held in Reston, Virginia, US, 3-5 November 2025 facilitates the exchange of experiences and information among users of geographic data and open source geospatial software, while also offering new and potential users opportunities to explore available systems, discover data resources, and connect with developers and experienced practitioners. 

You are invited to the 4th United Nations Open Science & Open Scholarship Conference, taking place 16–18 October 2025 both online and in-person at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo, Japan. Organized by the Dag Hammarskjöld Library of the United Nations Department of Global Communications in partnership with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division of Sustainable Development Goals, and UNESCO’s Division of Science Policy and Capacity-Building, this event explores the theme “The Right to Participate in and Benefit from Science.” There will be panels and keynotes addressing AI and the global digital divide, science communication and public engagement, and the future of open infrastructure for scientific access. The conference will highlight the Pact for the Future, endorsed by all 193 UN Member States, which underscores open science as a catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and bridging global science gaps. As billions worldwide still face barriers to accessing and benefiting from scientific knowledge, this conference offers a timely platform to advance open science, foster collaboration, and support collective action toward a more inclusive global research landscape. 

This is your final opportunity to submit an abstract for the 9th World Conference on Research Integrity (WCRI), taking place from 3–6 May 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. Recognized for its global reach and commitment to diversity, WCRI brings together participants from every discipline, career stage, and sector to advance responsible research practices in an inclusive, international setting. 

This year’s program will spotlight three major themes: artificial intelligence, research security, and Indigenous Knowledge systems. Sessions will examine how AI can improve research quality and integrity by detecting misconduct, while also exploring new risks such as fraud and ethical concerns related to bias. The conference will feature discussions on Indigenous perspectives in research integrity and provide opportunities for early-career professionals through doctoral forums, workshops, and meet-the-expert sessions. 

WCRI is known for producing influential policy statements like the Singapore Statement, the Hong Kong Principles, and the Cape Town Statement. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this lively, interactive event—submit your abstract now before the deadline! 

Abstract submission deadline: 15 October 2025 

The Bren School Capstone Projects, part of the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, offer organizations in the environmental sector the opportunity to collaborate with teams of Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) students for five months, addressing real-world challenges through data-driven solutions. These projects serve as MEDS theses and match clients, such as businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and researchers, with small groups of talented students whose work is equivalent to a full-time employee. Throughout the collaboration, students gain hands-on experience in project management, data analysis, reproducible workflows, and stakeholder communication, while clients benefit from actionable insights and expanded professional networks.   

The Bren School encourages creative, interdisciplinary proposals for the 2025–2026 cycle from any agency or organization facing an environmental data challenge. Selected projects will be reviewed and chosen by the Capstone Project Committee with notifications being sent out in December.   

Submission deadline: 17 October 2025 

The Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) and its European Chapter (EACL) are inviting proposals for tutorials to be held at EACL 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, 24-29 March, and ACL 2026 in San Diego, California, 2-7 July. Proposals are welcome across all areas of computational linguistics (CL) and natural language processing (NLP). 

They are looking for two types of proposals: 

These tutorials aim to help the CL/NLP community better understand key scientific challenges and their broader implications. Presenters may use specific technologies or systems to illustrate scientific insights. This is a unique opportunity for experts to share knowledge, foster interdisciplinary connections, and shape the direction of research and education in computational linguistics. 

Submission deadline: 20 October 2025 

There is your last chance to submit a contribution to the 3rd FAIR Digital Objects Conference! This conference brings together leaders from science, industry, and policy to explore the global impact of FAIR Digital Objects (FDOs). The event will highlight integration with dataspace technologies, the STAP Principles, and real-world demonstrations of interoperability. The program features invited talks, panels, posters, and hands-on sessions, including tutorials and a newcomer introduction. Organizers are seeking submissions that share practical developments, strategic adoption plans, or examples of FDOs supporting global trust frameworks.   

Submission deadline: 26 October 2025 

The Research Data Alliance (RDA) invites nominations for its Technical Advisory Board (TAB), with elections taking place in November–December 2025. TAB members serve three-year terms and play a vital role in shaping RDA’s technical vision and governance—providing expert guidance on FAIR data, open research, and open science. 

RDA is welcoming candidates from all career stages and encouraging broad participation to ensure diverse representation in geography and expertise. TAB membership is a rewarding volunteer opportunity to collaborate globally and contribute to the future of research data. 

Nominations are open until Monday, 24 November 2025, at 23:59 UTC. 

The Research Data Alliance (RDA) Plenary Meetings serve as working group meetings that convene data scientists, librarians, computer scientists, and researchers from across the globe. Submissions for RDA’s 26th Virtual Plenary (VP26) are now being accepted from all RDA Groups, including Working Groups, Interest Groups, and Communities of Practice, wishing to organize working meetings. RDA members interested in introducing new topics are invited to propose Birds of a Feather (BoF) Sessions, which offer participants the opportunity to assess the viability of forming new groups or refining emerging ideas. 

Through the theme of “Uniting Scientists and Researchers Through Global FAIR Data”, the forthcoming plenary will highlight, through group meetings, plenary sessions, and networking events, the critical role of data as a unifying force connecting communities and supporting innovative solutions to society’s greatest challenges. The global RDA community to participate in VP26 to champion FAIR data principles, establish international collaborations, and collectively address the technical and social complexities inherent in data sharing. 

Submission deadline: 14 November 2025, 23:59 UTC 

Researchers working with language datasets are invited to contribute to a new Special Collection of the Journal of Open Humanities Data (JOHD), focusing on the innovative reuse of mono- and multilingual language datasets across the humanities. This initiative seeks to highlight diverse cases where existing deposited language data has been repurposed within research projects from any humanities discipline. Submissions may also describe how data reuse efforts have led to the creation of new datasets. 

Those interested are encouraged to submit discussion papers (3,000–5,000 words) that detail the reuse of one or more existing language datasets, ideally those created by others. All submissions should follow the Special Collection’s template guidelines. JOHD maintains an open access policy under the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, supporting the broad dissemination of knowledge while allowing authors to retain copyright and share their work widely.

Submission deadline: 26 January 2026  

The ECHOES Cascading Grants Programme is offering funding for up to 50 projects to advance digital engagement, data sharing, and collaboration within the Cultural Heritage Cloud. Open to consortia and individual Cultural Heritage Institutions (CHIs), the program especially encourages applications from small and medium-sized organizations to help build digital skills and expand participation in cloud-based heritage initiatives. 

Call 2 supports projects that enable CHIs across Europe to join the Cloud, promote its benefits, and foster cross-border collaboration and innovation in digitization and preservation. More information, including a promotional video and highlights from the December 2024 Onboarding Workshop, is available for those interested in getting involved. 

Submission portal opens: 31 October 2025 
Submission deadline: 30 January 2026 

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Advisory Committee on Standards is currently inviting interested individuals to join one of IFLA’s Review Groups as co-opted members.  

IFLA’s Review Groups play a crucial role in maintaining and advancing metadata standards, bibliographic models, linked data, and formats. Members actively contribute technical skills and knowledge to ongoing standards revision processes, helping shape the future of information management worldwide. 

Forms for expressions of interest are open now. The initial round of co-opting will be finalized by 1 December, but further opportunities may arise throughout the term. 

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