This event brings together WiDS, Responsible AI Innovation Group (ZHAW) and Luar Labs for an in-person discussion about data governance in the AI era, grounded in the European Commission’s framework for Trustworthy AI. 

The program starts with a cross-sector panel (NGO, industry, academia) to surface real tensions and best practices in responsible AI and governance today. It then shifts into small, facilitator-led roundtables where participants work through the Commission’s seven dimensions: human agency and oversight, technical robustness and safety, privacy and data governance, transparency, diversity and fairness, societal and environmental well-being and accountability. 

The aim of workshops is to translate principles into concrete decisions, trade-offs and examples from practice.

Please note: Participation is limited. Spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once all places are filled. Feel free to register here.

While our main conference in June explores the cutting-edge future of Data Science tools and impact, our Pre-Event in May focuses on the most critical component of the equation: the people.

"Humans + Data" is an interactive, hands-on prequel designed to bridge the gap between technical algorithms and human application. In the age of generative AI and autonomous systems, soft skills, ethical reasoning and career adaptability are becoming just as vital as coding. This event moves beyond lecture-style talks to foster deep connection, skill-building and practical problem-solving in smaller, intimate groups.

What to Expect 

This 3-hour intensive session is designed to break down barriers between speakers and attendees. Through parallel workshops, an expert panel and extended mentorship, you will gain concrete tools to navigate the ethical and professional challenges of the AI era.

Program Highlights

1. The Panel: Responsible, Ethical & Sustainable Data Science

Topic: Biases in Data/Practice: Sources and Mitigation

Description: Ethics is no longer a theoretical "nice-to-have". It is a deployment requirement. Our experts will dissect where biases originate (from data collection to model deployment) and, most importantly, provide practical frameworks for mitigating them in real-world scenarios.

2. Interactive Workshops (Parallel Tracks)

Choose the track that fits your current growth path:

• Track A: Technical Ethics - Auditing AI Models for Fairness
  A hands-on deep dive into the methodologies and tools used to stress-test models for bias and ensure algorithmic fairness before deployment.

• Track B: Professional Growth - Career Mapping in the Age of AI
  As AI automates routine tasks, data roles are shifting. This workshop helps you identify future-proof skills and map a strategic career trajectory in a changing landscape.

• Track C: Core Competencies - Advanced Data Skills
  A practical session focused on sharpening specific, high-demand technical skills required for the modern data stack.

3. Extended Mentorship & Networking

We are expanding our popular mentorship format to allow for longer, more meaningful conversations. Connect with industry leaders and peers in a relaxed setting to discuss personal growth, leadership and the reality of working in Data Science.

Why Attend?

• Connect Early: Build your network before the massive June conference.

• Get Hands-On: Move from listening to doing with interactive workshops.

• Interact: Smaller group sizes ensure you can ask questions and engage directly with experts.

Don't just watch the future happen - prepare for it. Join us for the hands-on prequel to WiDS 2026.

Please note: This event has a limited capacity. Feel free to register here.