WIDS - WOMEN IN DATA SCIENCE NETWORKS AND INSPIRES

The Women in Data Science Initiative, or WiDS, was founded in 2015 by Dr. Margot Gerritsen and Karen Matthys at Stanford University in California. The goal of the initiative is to encourage people from around the world to exchange ideas within the rapidly growing field of Data Science, to create local and regional networks, to promote each other, and especially to support women in the field. This year, in addition to the main event, another 200 regional events will take place around the world.

WIDS IN VILLACH

The first Woman in Data Science conference in Austria took place as an offshoot of the annual WiDS worldwide Conference in September 2020 at FH Campus Villach and was organized by the two Carinthian WiDS ambassadors Olivia Pfeiler and Anita Kloss-Brandstätter in collaboration with AI CARINTHIA. 

More than 70 Data Science Enthusiast:s met online and in person at the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences to learn about the latest research and applications in Data Science, how leading companies are using Data Science for their success, and to network with the local scene.

It was a success that continued into 2021 and 2022. In October 2021, more than 230 Data Science enthusiasts already attended the one-day conference, and in May 2022, more than 250 attendees from around the country and abroad were in attendance. 

WIDS 2023 

The fourth WiDS Villach conference will take place on May 25, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will be an opportunity to learn about the latest research results and applications in the field of Data Science as well as establish contacts within the local scene. 

This year's speakers promise exciting discussions and a diverse program. During the conference there will also be an art exhibition with the theme "Information is beautiful" by students of BG/BRG St. Martin, CHS Villach and HLW Lienz. 

For WIDS Villach 2023, 170 people from 34 different countries have already registered. The conference is planned as a hybrid event, so participation in person or online is possible. Those who want to be there can still register for the fourth WIDS in Villach.