The InfoEco project seeks to advance a deeply powerful understanding of where data comes from and how it is used, setting the present moment within a century-long history of information supply and its power-laden consequences. At a moment when societies are in urgent need of guidance to navigate rapidly shifting digital terrain, we are coming together to build a deep understanding of the social and political life of data.

In the 2022-2023 Academic Year, we are proud to present a series of podcasts documenting the Data Science 4 Social Justice (DS4SJ) project here at the University of Pittsburgh. One of Pitt’s goals is to leverage knowledge—through teaching, research, and community service—for society’s gain. The dominance of the digital sphere, the upheaval of civic life, and the role of technology in accelerating systemic inequality create an unprecedented opportunity to apply “use-driven data science” for social impact. This year, we will hear from numerous members of this project, from Pitt and beyond, about the ways that data science can facilitate a more equitable society.