10th Conference on Social and Economic Data

The 10th Conference on Social and Economic Data (10|KSWD) will take place in Berlin on June 22 and 23, 2026, under the motto “Data4Society.” The conference will address the infrastructure for data research and its significance for science, politics, and society. Reliable data is essential for understanding and shaping social and economic change.

The conference brings together researchers, data producers, representatives from politics, administration, research infrastructures, and early-career scientists to discuss and develop approaches for a efficient and secure research data infrastructure in Germany. There is a special focus on sensitive data, data protection, and data security as the basis for evidence-based research and policy-making.

The 10|KSWD will promote interdisciplinary and open dialogue on the further development of research data infrastructure. It also aims to open up common perspectives for the responsible use of sensitive data. In addition to national challenges, the conference will also address issues concerning the exchange of data at the European and international levels.

Call for Contributions until January 15, 2026

We warmly invite you to participate in the 10|KSWD. We are looking for contributions that address research with sensitive data, particularly from the social sciences, behavioral sciences, education, and economics, but also from other related disciplines. There are four key topics and one open topic. Individual contributions are expected to last approximately 15-20 minutes and will be grouped into sessions. We are also looking for contributions for interactive formats such as lightning talks or Pecha Kucha. Therefore, please indicate your preferred topic when submitting your contribution. Depending on the number and type of contributions submitted for the various formats and topics, we reserve the right to suggest an alternative format for your planned contribution if necessary.

Contributions can be submitted via ConfTool until January 15, 2026:

Abstract Submissions

We look forward to receiving your contributions and to an inspiring 10|KSWD under the motto Data4Society!

Topic 1: Artificial Intelligence

AI applications are increasingly changing how research data is generated, curated, and evaluated. This opens up new opportunities for analysis and reuse, especially in the area of sensitive research data. At the same time, high demands on transparency, research ethics, and data quality arise in order to make data AI-compatible. We are looking for contributions that show how data infrastructures are already using AI. What are the potentials and limitations of AI in interaction with, for instance, process-generated data? What tools are being tested for data curation? How are legal and ethical issues addressed in practice?

Topic 2: Data Literacy

For years, the development of data literacy has been a major source of hope in the debate on the responsible use of data – especially when it comes to sensitive and personal data. The aim of this session is to discuss best practices in data literacy in science, administration, and business. New job profiles, certification programs, and degree courses promote data literacy as a core competency and, at the same time, increasingly demand it. Universities focus primarily on teaching theoretical basics, while other institutions and initiatives concentrate on practical education. We are looking for contributions that highlight and present skill profiles, successful cooperation models, discuss certification and training programs, or explore international approaches to the development and recognition of data literacy.

Topic 3: Data in Research. Addressing Challenges

Data is a key factor in scientific knowledge production and determines both the evidence base and the methodological and legal framework. Its use open up a wide range of possibilities, but at the same time it raises questions about access, processing, documentation, and reproducibility, especially in the case of sensitive data. We are looking for contributions that address the potential and limitations of different types of data, present successful strategies for ensuring transparency and reproducibility, reflect on legal or ethical challenges, or present solutions for documentation, archiving, and sustainable reuse.

Topic 4: Collaboration in Data Science

The preparation and provision of research data is resource-intensive and often requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and national contexts. Common standards, legal regulations, and technical tools are becoming increasingly important, especially for heterogeneous data types. We are looking for contributions that present examples of effective collaboration models, discuss approaches to designing reuse agreements or legal frameworks, or demonstrate how interdisciplinary collaboration improves the quality and accessibility of research data.

Open Topic

Contributions are welcome across all subject areas that focus on innovative methodological approaches or new procedures for data collection and quality management—from planning and implementation to reuse.

All further information are to be found on the German site of the 10|KSWD.