DataSHIELD Conference 2025

The DataSHIELD Conference is an annual community meeting dedicated to fostering collaboration among researchers, developers, and users of DataSHIELD software. Unlike traditional conferences, this informal, discussion-oriented event provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in in-depth conversations, networking, and brainstorming future projects in a relaxed and open setting.

The 2025 edition will be hosted by the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics at the University of Lausanne (UniL), Switzerland as an in-person event. The programme will include a mix of talks, training workshops, demonstrations and discussion sessions relating to the development and use of the DataSHIELD software.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Opening Keynote | Amadou Gaye, PhD Ass. Prof & Chair, Dept. of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology, Meharry Medical College
Amadou Gaye is a leading expert in genomics and privacy-preserving data analysis in collaborative health research.
🔗 Google Scholar | ORCID

Closing Keynote | Ross Stiven Product Manager, Aridhia
Ross Stiven specializes in secure data environments and federated analytics, shaping the future of privacy-preserving research.
🔗 LinkedIn

The primary objectives of the DataSHIELD Conference are to:

• Promote cross-collaboration between groups using DataSHIELD,
• Facilitate networking and discussions on upcoming projects, collaborations, and software developments,
• Offer an in-person space for community-driven exchanges, free from the constraints of formal presentations.

Whether you're a longtime DataSHIELD user or new to the community, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, share insights, and help shape the future of privacy-preserving data analysis.

Abstract submissions is now closed.

We thank all submitters for their contributions and will inform them about acceptance from mid-June.

The detailed conference program will be shared soon.

This conference is designed for anyone interested in using, applying, or advancing DataSHIELD, including:

• Newcomers exploring DataSHIELD for the first time or considering novel applications,
• Current users applying DataSHIELD in research and practice,
• Developers working on new statistical methodologies, functionalities, or infrastructure.

DATASHIELD TRAINING WORKSHOPS Registration fees 60 CHF / Participants (40 CHF / PhD & Students)

Tuesday 23 September 2025, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (TBC)

Join our hands-on training workshops designed to help participants deepen their understanding of DataSHIELD:

• DataSHIELD introductory lecture for workshop attendees
• DataSHIELD beginners/analysis workshop: This workshop is aimed at researchers who will be conducting analysis using DataSHIELD. By working through examples, you will learn the key elements of conducting analysis with DataSHIELD. This will include logging in and managing a DataSHIELD session, viewing meta-data, data manipulation, returning summary statistics, running 1-stage and 2-stage regression models, making plots and exporting results.
  
• DataSHIELD system operators workshop: This workshop is directed at people whose role/skill-set is to set up and maintain either Armadillo or Opal.

These workshops are optional and open to all skill levels.

MAIN CONFERENCE Registration fees 350 CHF / Participants (250 CHF / PhD & Students)

Tuesday 23 September 2025, 4:30 PM – Friday 26 September 2025, 1:00 PM (TBC)

Tuesday 23 September
4:30 PM | Conference Opening
5:00 PM | Opening Keynote

Wednesday 24 September – Friday 26 September
Full Conference Days – Featuring talks, demonstrations, and discussion sessions
Friday 26 September | Closing Session at ~1:00 PM

Social Events
Tuesday 23 September (Evening) | Welcome Reception
Wednesday 24 September (Evening) | Conference Dinner (Details to follow)

Location: University of Lausanne

Contact & organization

Host Organization (SIB) The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is responsible for conference registration, event logistics, abstract submissions, and overall programme coordination. For inquiries, please contact:

• Mark Ibberson
• Etienne de Rham
• Manuela Pruess
• Muriel Metrailler