DATAGOV Kickoff 2026

On 27 March 2026 we invite you to the kick-off event of the DATAGOV project in Amsterdam, hosted by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and partner venues.

DATAGOV investigates the impact and social costs of regulatory data infrastructures: data-grabbing systems that actively shape the polity, from monitoring and automated decision-making to mediating access to public services, rights, and welfare. The project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), takes a comparative approach investigating the European Union, Brazil, India, and South Africa, to examine how these infrastructures transform governance and what they mean for the future of democracy in an era of pervasive datafication.

To start with, our empirical focus is on four technology families: biometrics, digital identity, and health and education technologies, and how these reconfigure citizenship, sovereignty, and inequality.

Spread across two days, the kick-off will feature workshops, keynotes, performances, and a borrel, bringing together a diverse group of participants from academia, policymaking, industry, civil society, and the arts. The event will also leave ample time for conversation, (net)working, and enjoying each other’s company. All programming is free of charge.

While the program is still taking shape, and keynote speakers will be announced soon, we already welcome sign ups through this form.

Dates and Locations
Friday, 27 March 2026 9:30–15:00
(Framer Framed, Oranje-Vrijstaatkade 71, 1093 KS Amsterdam)