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About

The Data Science Institute forms the institutional cornerstone of data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) activity at The London School of Economics and Political Science. Working alongside academic departments and research centres across the School, the DSI fosters research, education and engagement in the study of data science and AI through a social science lens.

The DSI shines a light on cutting-edge research exploring all aspects of artificial intelligence and data science. Our goal is to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI), data science and other new technologies become forces for good in society.

Professor Larry Kramer, President and Vice Chancellor, LSE

The DSI hosts, facilitates and promotes research in social and economic data science and AI. Our core staff and network of Affiliates have delivered excellence in data science by combining technical aspects (statistics, machine learning and computer programming) with applications in the social world, encompassing political, economic, social, legal, policy and philosophical questions. 

The DSI forms a nexus for teaching and learning in data science, and for coordinating degree programmes in data science that span departments, including the departments of StatisticsMethodology, and Mathematics. It also works closely with the Digital Skills Lab for training in the skills and tools of data science, AI and computing.

The DSI works closely with teams across LSE to provide support services for those working with data. Our Data Support Services page brings together information about the activity of teams such as the LSE Digital LibraryLSE Data and Technology Services (DTS) and LSE LIFE.

The DSI works closely with LSE DTS on advancing computing infrastructure and services, especially in the area of cloud computing for data science research and teaching, and through delivering specialised training in the use of cloud-based computing. It offers advice and training in AI and computational methods, on data manipulation and analysis, and the use of LLM’s. 

Through our annual programme of public, research and student events we convene experts from academia, industry, government and policy spheres to discuss the transformational role of data science and AI in shaping the world’s political, economic and social future. 

Working in collaboration with partners both within and beyond LSE, the Institute has an opportunity to help usher in a new era of possibility and progress, and to shape a world in which data science and AI serve as a catalyst to effect positive global change.

The DSI was launched in 2020 by Inaugural Director Professor Ken Benoit, Professor of Computational Social Science in the Department of Methodology at LSE. It replaced the Social and Economic Data Science (SEDS) unit that existed from 2015 to 2020. 

Keep up to date with the DSI on TwitterLinkedIn, and YouTube and by signing up to our Newsletter.