2025

Recap of the Seed Grant Showcase & Spotlight on the 2024 Awardees

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Data Science Initiative (DSI) hosted the highly anticipated Seed Grant Showcase, bringing together a diverse community of researchers, students, and professionals to celebrate groundbreaking data science research. Held in a dynamic and collaborative environment, the event provided a platform for the 2024 Seed Grant recipients to share their innovative projects, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore future research collaborations.

Despite the crisp winter evening, the atmosphere inside was lively, as attendees immersed themselves in the latest advancements supported by the DSI Seed Grant program. The event underscored the initiative’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and driving impactful discoveries across various domains.

A highlight of the evening was a special session where previous years' Seed Grant winners spoke to attendees, sharing insights on their research journeys and the impact of their projects. Their presentations provided valuable perspectives on how the program has influenced their work and fostered continued innovation.

Following this, the event transitioned into an engaging poster reception, where this year’s Seed Grant recipients showcased their work and engaged with fellow researchers. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into complex topics, ask insightful questions, and connect with experts working at the forefront of data science applications. The evening highlighted the breadth and depth of research made possible by the Seed Grant program, reinforcing its role in advancing knowledge and innovation.

The following research posters were presented during the reception:

As the evening concluded, the Seed Grant Showcase reaffirmed the value of data science in addressing complex challenges and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the 2024 Seed Grant recipients but also inspired conversations that will shape the future of data-driven research. 

Attendees shared that, while they may not be researchers themselves, the conversations after the presentations were incredibly valuable. Many expressed excitement about seeing the innovative projects funded through DSI and appreciated the opportunity to share their work with fellow faculty and researchers interested in data science. The event also provided a great chance to make meaningful connections with colleagues, and attendees enjoyed the lightning talks, poster session, and social gatherings as excellent ways to engage with others and foster collaboration.

With the success of this year’s showcase, the DSI looks forward to continuing its mission of supporting innovative projects that push the boundaries of data science and impact a wide array of scientific fields. 

The DSI and its members congratulate the 2024 awardees and look forward to learning about their research progress at our next showcase.

 

MNDrive