Data Science Conference

Join us for the third annual Data Science Conference

Aug. 10-11, 2026

Register for the Data Science Conference
Digital illustration representing data science with a burst of light and curving light rays among random numbers.

We are excited to announce the third annual Data Science Conference at the University of Nevada, Reno as part of Data & Discovery. The conference is supported by the Data Science Initiative, and backed by a Nevada INBRE supplemental award for building data science capacity, along with Research & Innovation. The initiative aims to transform the landscape of data science at our institution, contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation, open new academic paths and improve collaboration between colleges, schools and departments.

The Data Science Conference brings together leading experts, researchers and students to grow data science knowledge and skills on our campus. The conference will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops and networking opportunities that you don’t want to miss. Everyone is welcome to join and registration is free!

Aug. 10-11, 2026
Joe Crowley Student Union
University of Nevada, Reno

Register to attend the Data Science Conference

Agenda

View the full agenda details for Monday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.

Keynote speaker

James H. Elder

James H. Elder, Ph.D., professor and York research chair in human and computer vision, York University

Human and Computer Vision in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is transforming how computers perceive and interpret the world, while advances in neuroscience continue to reveal how biological vision inspires new approaches to machine intelligence. In this keynote, Dr. James Elder will explore the intersection of human and computer vision, highlighting how insights from both fields are shaping the next generation of AI.

Featured presentation

Angelica Lo Duca

Angelica Lo Duca, Ph.D., researcher, Institute of Informatics and Telematics; author; and adjunct professor of data journalism, Università di Pisa

Data Storytelling and AI

Data Storytelling and AI explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we communicate data. Learn how storytelling principles, combined with modern AI tools, can help turn complex analyses into compelling, memorable narratives that inspire understanding, action and better decision-making.

Sponsors

The Data Science Initiative, including the conference, is made possible by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM103440), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Logo: Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services

Logo: IBM

IBM

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Questions?

Please email us at datascienceinitiative@unr.edu.

Climate survey

Help us shape the Data Science Initiative at the University! Our climate survey is designed to assess current knowledge, skills and attitudes about data science at our institution. Your feedback and suggestions are a vital part in tailoring the Data Science Initiative and conference offerings to our campus' specific needs.

Take the survey

Email list

We encourage everyone who is enthusiastic about data science or has questions about the initiative to get involved. If you have ideas, want to collaborate or simply want to stay up to date and connected with the Data Science Initiative, join our group email list.

Join our email list

Information from previous conferences

The previous Data Science Conferences have been a big success with more than 300 attendees each year.