International Love Data Week is the celebration of data from February 10-14, 2025. This year’s theme, “Whose Data Is It Anyway?” looks at the origins of data and how that informs our use of it in research and life. Specifically, who owns data compared to who uses data. Various groups, including researchers, governments, companies, and organizations, collect data for different purposes. They may retain ownership, share it with others, publish it online, or integrate it with other datasets. How data is managed depends on factors like privacy, security, and intended use. To learn more about Love Data Week check out the official website International Love Data Week 2025. The yearly event is sponsored by the ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research).
Have you Adopted a Dataset?
One favorite activity is the Love Data Week is the “Adopt a Dataset” program. Much like adopting a pet, participants can choose a dataset from a diverse list and learn about the data it contains. Your task is to explore your dataset, uncover its insights, and share your findings through email, social media, virtual meetings, and other channels. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of specific datasets and exploration of common themes in managing data. To adopt a dataset:
- Review the list of datasets that are available for adoption (or choose from any dataset in the ICPSR holdings)
- Fill out the Dataset Adoption Form
- You’ll be directed to your adoption certificate and other resources.
A complete list of events can be found here. Presentations will be available on their YouTube channel.
Love Data Week is a global conversation about the role of data in our lives, offering more than just a series of events. By participating, you gain valuable knowledge and skills while joining a community that recognizes the power of data. Whether attending a webinar, adopting a dataset, or engaging in discussions using #LoveData25, you contribute to a movement that values and celebrates data in all its forms.
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