Digital Society public lecture by Dr. Philippe Cudré-Mauroux
Professor at the University of Fribourg, Director of the eXascale Infolab

This talk will give an overview of the most relevant aspects of datafication from the perspective of computer science. Datafication has not only shaped the evolution of computer science, pushing it toward more data-centric research, applications, and challenges, but it has also expanded the relevance and scope of the field. It involves converting diverse aspects of the physical world and human behavior into digital data on a massive scale, often through sensors, IoT devices, and digital platforms. This allows for more granular, real-time, and comprehensive data insights, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions and create new value in ways that were previously unattainable. Datafication has given rise to new subfields in computer science, emphasizing data-centric research, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. It has led to the development of specialized algorithms for processing and analyzing large datasets, enhancing data-driven decision making across various fields and industries. Additionally, ethical concerns have become integral aspects of computer science.