# D3A 3.0 Deep Dive Workshop Proposal
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## 1. Title
**Network Science and Social Data Science**
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## 2. Overall Topic
The workshop focuses on **Network Science and Complex Systems**, exploring fundamental and applied research on networks, graph-based methodologies, and broader complex-system phenomena critical to understanding digital life, social behavior, and AI-driven data analysis.
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## 3. Brief Description of the Workshop
Network science provides a powerful lens for understanding the interconnected systems that underpin much of the research within the DIREC, DDSA, and Pioneer Centre for AI communities. From social interactions and information diffusion online to the structure of complex datasets and the behavior of AI algorithms, graph-based approaches and complex systems thinking are increasingly vital.
This workshop aims to bring together researchers in Denmark working on or interested in network science, computational social science, and related complex systems methodologies within the broader data science and AI landscape. We will showcase state-of-the-art methods, highlight real-world applications (e.g., in social dynamics, mobility, digital technology impact, science of science), and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue.
The D3A conference, uniting Denmark’s digitalization, data science, and AI communities, is the ideal venue for this workshop. It provides a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between researchers across institutions (like DTU, ITU, KU/SODAS, AU) and career stages working in this domain. By featuring insights from leading figures and emerging researchers, we aim to stimulate discussion on current challenges, emergent research directions, and potential synergies relevant to the D3A community's goals of networking, community building, and knowledge sharing. The workshop is designed to be interactive, moving beyond a mini-conference format to encourage discussion and potential collaboration identification.
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## 4. Main Activities (Tentative Schedule - 195 minutes total)
The workshop will run for 195 minutes, structured as two 90-minute sessions with a 15-minute break. The format includes keynote talks for broader perspective, shorter talks for focused insights, and dedicated time for interaction.
**Session 1 (90 minutes)**
* **13:00 - 13:05 (5 min):** Welcome & Introduction (Workshop goals, theme overview) - *Organizers*
* **13:05 - 13:40 (35 min):** Keynote Talk 1 + Q&A - *Prof. Michael Szell (ITU)*
* **13:40 - 14:00 (20 min):** Short Talk 1 + Q&A
* **14:00 - 14:20 (20 min):** Short Talk 2 + Q&A
* **14:20 - 14:30 (10 min):** Brief Group Discussion / Transition
**14:30 - 14:45 (15 minutes): Coffee Break**
**Session 2 (90 minutes)**
* **14:45 - 15:20 (35 min):** Keynote Talk 2 + Q&A - *Prof. Roberta Sinatra (SODAS)*
* **15:20 - 15:40 (20 min):** Short Talk 3 + Q&A
* **15:40 - 16:10 (30 min):** Moderated Group Discussion & Brainstorming (Future directions, collaboration opportunities)
* **16:10 - 16:15 (5 min):** Closing Remarks & Wrap-up - *Organizers*
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## 5. Tentative Speakers' List
We aim for a mix of senior and junior researchers representing diverse affiliations.
* **Proposed Keynote Speakers:**
* **Michael Szell** (Professor, ITU): Expert in computational social science, network science, human mobility.
* **Roberta Sinatra** (Professor, SODAS/KU): Expert in network theory, science of science, data-driven social systems.
* **Proposed Short Talk Speakers (Selection from list, aiming for 3):**
* Jonas L. Juul (Assistant Professor, ITU)
* Michele Coscia (Associate Professor, ITU)
* Luca Maria Aiello (Associate Professor, ITU)
* Laura Alessandretti (Associate Professor, DTU)
* Morten Mørup (Professor, DTU)
* Josefine Bohr Brask (Postdoc, SODAS/KU)
* Andreas Bjerre-Nielsen (Associate Professor, SODAS/KU)
* Tom Brughmans (Associate Professor, Aarhus University) *(tentative availability)*
* *Note:* Final selection will prioritize topic relevance, speaker availability, and aim for balance in career stage, gender, and affiliation, aligning with D3A guidelines. All speakers are expected to be conference participants. We do not anticipate needing travel/funding support but will reach out if an exceptional case arises regarding registration fees.
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## 6. Target Audience and Size
PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, junior and senior faculty, and researchers from industry or public institutions interested in network science, complex systems, computational social science, graph-based data analysis, and their applications within AI and digitalization. We anticipate an audience size of **20-40 participants**. We do not propose a strict maximum cap but the interactive elements are best suited for this range.
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## 7. Workshop Outcome
Participants will:
* Gain insights into cutting-edge research in network science and complex systems relevant to data science and AI.
* Be exposed to diverse perspectives and methodologies from leading and emerging researchers in Denmark.
* Identify potential collaborators and strengthen their professional network within the Danish research community.
* Engage in discussions about key challenges, open questions, and future research directions in the field.
* Learn about potential applications and interdisciplinary connections relevant to DIREC, DDSA, and P1 initiatives.
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## 8. Level
* **Intermediate to Advanced:** The workshop is aimed at attendees with some existing knowledge of data science, AI, or quantitative methods.
* ***Intermediate:*** Suitable for attendees who have a basic understanding or some experience with network concepts or complex systems modeling but are not yet advanced specialists.
* ***Advanced:*** Also suitable for attendees with significant experience and a strong understanding of network science and related methodologies, offering state-of-the-art insights and discussion opportunities.
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## 9. Organizers
* **Michele Tizzani** (Lead Organizer)
* Affiliation: Postdoctoral Researcher, DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark
* Email: [micti@dtu.dk](mailto:micti@dtu.dk)
* **Abbas K. Rizi**
* Affiliation: Postdoctoral Researcher, DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark
* Email: [akari@dtu.dk](mailto:akari@dtu.dk)
*Note:* As junior researchers (Postdocs), we align with the preference for junior organizer involvement. While the organizing team itself is currently male from one institution, we are committed to ensuring gender, affiliation, and career-stage diversity in the speaker lineup, as reflected in our tentative list spanning ITU, SODAS/KU, DTU, and AU. Michele Tizzani will serve as the primary point of contact for the Organizing Committee.
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