Description:
What research data have your IT expertise and systems been quietly supporting behind the scenes? As we celebrate the Illinois Data Bank’s 10th year, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of 10 datasets that we love—each memorable for a different reason. Along the way, we’ll explore what kind of data these actually are, how they were created and used, and why the underlying research matters. We’ll also highlight notable attributes that make research data fascinating (and sometimes challenging) to support: unusual or unexpected data formats, exceptionally large or complex collections, long-term collections that change over time, and features that make a dataset especially discoverable, reusable, or just plain intriguing. These examples showcase the breadth of research data at our University, giving a behind-the-scenes perspective on their utility, diversity, and distinctive quirks.
About this event:
Presenters:
- Heidi Imker, Director, Research Data Service, University Library
- Hoa Luong, Associate Director, Research Data Service, University Library
- Sandi Caldrone, Research Data Librarian, University Library
Track:
Research: The Final Frontier — Unite teams to explore strange new data and boldly publish where none have published before.
Experience Needed:
All Levels
Learning Outcome:
– Recognize the wide range of research data created across disciplines.
– Connect behind-the-scenes technical support to real-world research outcomes.
– Celebrate audience members’s own role, and the University’s, in making diverse and impactful research possible.
Maximum Capacity:
No maximum capacity
Additional Keywords:
Research Data; Data Curation; Data Publication; Data Lifecycle; Digital Preservation; Fun
Where and When:
June 4, 2026 from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm- Quad