Datavysts (Data2Action)

Datavysts is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network funded under
Horizon Europe, with additional support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The
project runs from February 2025 to January 2029 and brings together leading academic
institutions and non-academic partners across Europe and beyond.


The network explores how data science and artificial intelligence can be re-designed
and re-positioned to support social innovation
, contributing to healthier, fairer, and more
sustainable societies.


Project Vision

Datavysts aims to reboot the role of data science and AI so that they genuinely serve the
common good. Rather than focusing solely on technical performance, the project
emphasises ethical, inclusive, transparent, and socially grounded uses of AI.


The central question guiding the network is:
How can data science and AI be used responsibly to co-create positive social change?


Objectives

The project is built around four core commitments:

  1. Training the next generation of social innovators
    Datavysts brings together interdisciplinary perspectives to train doctoral researchers
    capable of combining AI expertise with social innovation practice.
  2. Developing practical solutions to real-world challenges
    Research is conducted in close collaboration with communities, public bodies, and
    civil society organisations to ensure real societal relevance.
  3. Democratising data science and AI
    The project promotes transparent, inclusive, and trustworthy approaches to data and
    AI, ensuring technologies empower communities rather than exclude them.
  4. Advancing ethical and responsible AI
    Datavysts sets new standards for how AI can be designed, governed, and deployed
    responsibly in social contexts.

Network Structure

Datavysts consists of:
13 Doctoral Fellows
5 beneficiary institutions that recruit and host fellows
30 associated partners from academia, industry, policy, and civil society


This structure ensures strong international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary
collaboration
, which is a defining feature of MSCA Doctoral Networks.

Funding Acknowledgement

Datavysts (Data2Action) is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded
by Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement No. 101169037) and supported by UK Research and
Innovation (UKRI)
under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee.