Join Columbia Professor of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research and Avanessians Director of the Data Science Institute Garud N. Iyengar for a roundtable lunch discussion of work and collaborations with Columbia University's Data Science Institute (DSI). The following is more about the DSI from its website.

We advance knowledge, educate future innovators, and harness the power of data science for the public good.

DSI connects more than 400 faculty and researchers across Columbia, supporting collaborative, data-driven work that advances knowledge and unlocks solutions to previously unanswerable questions in fields from medicine to law and cybersecurity to journalism.

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is to harness the power of data science and AI to drive positive change in society. Through pioneering research and education, we develop cutting-edge solutions and prepare responsible innovators to tackle urgent challenges. By bringing together Columbia’s diverse academic expertise with its advanced data science and AI capabilities, DSI is uniquely positioned to lead interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivate high-impact partnerships across academia, industry, and the public sector. Guided by the principle of Data for Good, we translate data insights into real-world applications that enhance societal well-being and promote sustainable progress.

We envision a future where data science and AI help solve global challenges, transforming decision-making and empowering communities locally and globally. As a collaborative hub for research, education, and partnerships, we pursue foundational discoveries, bridge theory and practice, and cultivate talent ready to innovate responsibly for a more equitable, resilient, and thriving society.

We do this through the lens of Data for Good, our commitment to applying data science ethically and responsibly, and to ensuring the data itself is accurate, reliable, and fit for purpose.

Our Story

The Data Science Institute (DSI) was founded in 2012 to leverage Columbia’s strengths in computer science, operations research, and statistics, and to catalyze data-driven research across the university. Originally established as a part of Columbia Engineering, DSI quickly expanded its scope. By 2017, it had become a university-wide institute, reflecting the growing recognition of data science’s applications across all fields.

In 2023, DSI’s mandate expanded further when Columbia’s Office of the President designated DSI to be the operational home of the Columbia AI initiative. Today, DSI serves as the intellectual hub for data science and AI at Columbia—strengthening research, convening thought leaders, educating students, and advancing responsible innovation in partnership with industry, government, and the public sector.