The rapid development of data-driven approaches in the life sciences is transforming how we understand biological systems, develop treatments, and make healthcare decisions. While these advances promise insights and possibilities, they also raise questions about accountability, interpretability, and the changing relations between experts, technologies, and society.
These developments demand careful consideration of questions such as: How do we ensure technological advances align with scientific and societal values and needs? Who benefits from these transformations, and who might be left behind? How do we maintain human agency and ethical oversight in increasingly automated research processes? Addressing these challenges requires sustained dialogue between life sciences and humanities/social sciences perspectives.
The workshop is part of a broader initiative funded by the Wallenberg Foundations to create collaborations between humanities/social sciences research and the data-driven life sciences. WASP-HS specializes in researching the human and societal aspects of AI and autonomous systems, including ethical, economic, social, and cultural implications. DDLS focuses on four strategic research areas: precision medicine and diagnostics, biodiversity and evolution, epidemiology and biology of infection, and cell and molecular biology.
The collaboration between these programs aims to increase understanding of how AI, autonomous systems, and data-driven methodologies in the life sciences shape both science and society, and aims to promote research that has a clear impact for both programs. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of technological advancement and societal needs.
– Identify key societal challenges in data-driven life sciences
– Promote dialogue between diverse research disciplines
– Explore how technological advances influence science and society
– Develop new collaborative research initiative
We welcome 25-30 participants from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to:
– Social scientists and humanities scholars
– Life scientists
– Healthcare professionals
– Bioinformaticians and data scientists
Participants will be selected to ensure a balanced representation of disciplines and perspectives. Both individual researchers and small teams (2-3 people) from the same institution are welcome to apply. Early-career researchers are particularly encouraged to participate
– A comprehensive mapping of key social and human challenges in data-driven life sciences
– Formation of new interdisciplinary collaborations
– Written documentation of insights and proposals
Dates: 13-15 May 2025
Venue: Sigtunastiftelsen
Cost: No registration fee. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered for accepted participants
Application Deadline: 24 March 2025
Please note that participants of this workshop will be selected based on this application. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis..
Submit your application through https://www.lyyti.in/Sandpit_wokshop_2025 :
Brief statement of motivation (max 500 words)
Short bio highlighting relevant experience
Optional: Potential challenge or opportunity you’d like to explore
Accommodation will be arranged at Sigtunastiftelsen
Travel booking instructions will be provided upon acceptance
