We live in a data-driven world, where the importance of data and its role in solving real world problems cannot be underestimated. In the last decade, there has been a rapid development in technology and the use of technological devices has increased immensely. As a result, there has been a massive growth in generating and retaining data by the organizations. These data need to be analyzed properly if we are to take any use of them. Data science plays an important role in  mining and learning from the vast swathes of structured and unstructured data that surround us in our everyday lives. Hence, the field of data science is in demand more than ever and it plays a prominent role in solving modern day problems. 

As the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo celebrates its 100 years of Excellence in Science, and the Department of Statistics celebrates its 20th anniversary along with the 5th anniversary of the Center for Data Science, we believe that the field of data science should take a center stage in solving the real world problems and reshaping the future. Therefore, the Center for Data Science jointly with the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo is organizing the first ever data science conference in Sri Lanka. International Conference in Data Science (ICDS 2021) will be held on 29th and 30th June 2021 as a virtual conference under the theme “Data Science: Reshaping the Future”.  The objectives of the conference are as follows.

• To provide a single platform to communicate novel concepts and enhance research skills in data science.
• To strengthen local and international collaborations across other Universities and industries seeking for Data Science solutions.

The Center for Data Science is established as the research and development unit of the Department of Statistics to engage in and facilitate research and development in big data analysis methods and to bridge the gap between academics and industry through consultancy work in the field of data science. We believe that ICDS 2021 is in line with our vision of “To be the center of excellence in research and development in Data Science in Sri Lanka.”

ICDS 2021 provides the participants with an opportunity, over the course of two days, to delve into the most current research and up-to-date practices in data science. The conference tracks which include Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning & AI, Data Visualization, Predictive Analytics, Causal Inference, and Data Ethics & Security cover almost the entire spectrum of data science. The conference will provide a premier platform for participants to share knowledge and discuss the most recent innovations, trends and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the field of data science.