About

The social sciences and artificial intelligence (AI) are fundamentally interconnected. AI is transforming how we carry out research into human behaviour, economies and societies. At the same time, the social sciences are key to building AI systems that align with human values and are designed for effective human-AI collaboration. As AI continues to influence our daily lives, social science expertise is crucial for understanding its profound and far-reaching socioeconomic consequences.

The Data Science Institute (DSI) forms the institutional hub for data science and AI activity at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Working with departments and research centres across the School, we convene, catalyse and communicate world-leading research, innovative teaching and a rich programme of engagement activities that examine how data and AI are changing our world.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in every aspect of our lives, the DSI is committed to working in collaboration with partners both within and beyond LSE to actively shape a future where technology and humanity advance together for the betterment of society.

AI and social science research at LSE

Central to the DSI is a dynamic and growing community that brings together Institute staff, visiting scholars and DSI Faculty and PhD Affiliates whose research examines how new technologies are reshaping the economy and society, leverages data and AI to enhance research methodologies, and contributes to the development and refinement of AI capabilities. This research takes place in academic departments and research centres across LSE and is carried out by a wide range of individuals from students and early career researchers to globally recognised subject experts.

AI and data science teaching at LSE

Our teaching is grounded in the belief that data-driven approaches are essential to rigorous social science research. The DSI delivers four undergraduate modules that equip students across the School with skills, tools and critical insights to engage with data in meaningful, responsible and impactful ways, so that they can apply data science techniques and insight to their field of research.

Undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in data science – delivered by departments across the School – remain a core part of LSE’s teaching mission, and executive programmes designed to give professionals skills in data science and AI strategy without needing a technical background, are ever expanding.

AI and data science events at LSE

Through the DSI's annual programme of public, research and student events we convene experts from academia, industry, government and policy spheres to discuss the transformational role of data science and AI in shaping the world’s political, economic and social future. Through our growing online presence, the DSI is driving forward conversations that matter, connecting innovative research with real-world challenges and opportunities.

We are living through a moment of technological promise that has the potential to reshape our economies, our institutions and our daily lives. As a global leader in the social sciences, LSE brings a critical perspective to the development and deployment of AI, which like all new technologies, must ultimately be about people and society. The Data Science Institute exemplifies this approach by convening researchers from across disciplines, embedding data science into the heart of social science inquiry and ensuring that our insights inform real-world policy and business decisions.

The DSI was launched in 2020 by Inaugural Director Professor Ken Benoit, Professor of Computational Social Science in the Department of Methodology at LSE. It replaced the (SEDS) unit that existed from 2015 to 2020.

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