Program Overview
The IASSIST 2017 conference brought together researchers, data professionals, and academics around the theme "Data in the Middle: The common language of research." The four-day program featured plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, poster presentations, and networking events.
Plenary: Daniel Reed
"Data Writ Large: Technology, Culture and Collision" — Daniel Reed explored the intersection of big data, technology, and the cultural shifts reshaping research.
Plenary: Jennifer Clarke
"Digital Agriculture: The Midwest Big Data Hub and Global Food Security" — Jennifer Clarke discussed how data-driven approaches are transforming agriculture and food systems.
Pecha Kucha Session
A fast-paced session of concise, visually-driven presentations from conference attendees, covering a wide range of data-service topics.
Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, May 22 | Committee Check-in | 8:30–10:00 • Kansas Union, 4th Floor Lobby |
| Tue, May 23 | Workshops | Morning 9:00–12:00 & Afternoon 13:00–16:00 Check-in: 8:00–9:30 & 12:00–13:30, 4th Floor Lobby |
| Wed, May 24 | Full Conference Begins | Check-in: Kansas Union, 5th Floor Lobby Plenary: Daniel Reed |
| Thu, May 25 | Conference Day 2 | Check-in: 5th Floor Lobby Plenary: Jennifer Clarke |
| Fri, May 26 | Conference Day 3 | Check-in: 5th Floor Lobby Pecha Kucha session |
Workshops
Hands-on technical workshops were held on Tuesday, May 23. Participants were required to bring a fully-functional laptop — tablets and Chromebooks were not sufficient. Advance instructions were sent to registered attendees.
Morning Sessions
Workshops covered topics such as collecting data from internet-based sources and other data-management techniques. Specific sessions varied by instructor.
Afternoon Sessions
Afternoon workshops continued with advanced topics. Locations included Budig Hall (room 10) and other campus venues.
The IASSIST 2017 conference program was designed to explore how data serves as a common language bridging diverse research communities. Over four days, attendees gathered at the Kansas Union to engage with sessions that examined data from multiple perspectives—from its role in agriculture and the Midwest economy to its function as a global research hub. The schedule balanced plenary talks with hands-on workshops, poster sessions, and social events, creating opportunities for both deep learning and informal networking. This structure reflected the conference theme of data as a middle ground where different disciplines, institutions, and perspectives could meet and communicate effectively.
The program opened with a Wednesday plenary that examined the collision of technology, culture, and research in the age of big data. Subsequent sessions delved into topics ranging from digital preservation and data curation to teaching data literacy in libraries and academic settings. Attendees could choose from workshops focused on practical skills, such as working with geographic information systems or managing research data throughout its lifecycle. The schedule also included time for poster presentations, where researchers shared their latest projects and received feedback from peers in an informal, collaborative setting.
Thursday's programming highlighted the critical challenges facing data professionals in the twenty-first century, including food security, population studies, and the ethical implications of data collection and use. A plenary session focused on how data can address global challenges while remaining grounded in local contexts and community needs. Breakout sessions covered topics such as data visualization, metadata standards, and the role of data in policy-making. These discussions emphasized the importance of making data accessible, understandable, and actionable for diverse audiences, from researchers to the general public.
Friday brought a lighter tone with a pecha kucha session, where presenters delivered rapid-fire talks that were highly visual and engaging. This format encouraged creative approaches to sharing research and sparked lively conversations among attendees. The conference also included social events such as a reception, banquet, and local tours that allowed participants to experience the Lawrence and Kansas City area. These informal gatherings reinforced the sense of community among data professionals and provided space for continued discussion of the ideas and connections formed during the formal program sessions.
Poster Presentations
The conference included a poster session showcasing projects and research from the IASSIST community. Presenters shared work on data curation, repository development, research data management, and related topics.
Program Committee
The program was organized by the IASSIST 2017 Program Committee, co-chaired by:
- Samantha Guss — University of Richmond
- Michele Hayslett — University of North Carolina
Program inquiries: iassist2017@gmail.com