10th Scientific Data Conference Held in Urumqi

2025-09-03

The 10th Scientific Data Conference, themed "Scientific Data and Sustainable Development", was held in Urumqi, Xinjiang from July 29 to 31. The event was convened by the Chinese National Committee of the Committee on Data of the International Science Council (CODATA-China), with the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) as one of the co-organizers. More than 400 leaders, experts, and scholars from various fields in China attended the conference.

Abulimiti Yili, Director of the Science and Technology Department of Xinjiang, stated that scientific data has become a vital resource for driving regional development. He expressed hope that the conference would provide an opportunity to establish a scientific data system that supports fields such as ecological security and water resource management in Xinjiang. He further stressed the need to deepen the integration of scientific data with artificial intelligence to accelerate innovative applications in areas such as resource exploration and agricultural breeding. By enhancing data openness, sharing, and talent collaboration, Xinjiang aims to position itself as a hub for international scientific and technological cooperation.

YU Hanchao, Deputy Division Head from the Bureau of Basic Science and Technology Capacity, CAS, stated in his remarks that scientific data serves as vital “fuel” for the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies. He emphasized the need to strengthen the systematic development of scientific data, foster cross-disciplinary integration, and share high-quality datasets. He also called for collaboration with both domestic and international partners to build open-source databases. He further noted that the CAS attaches great importance to scientific data and has established a dedicated Scientific Data Office to oversee these efforts.

WANG Ruidan, Deputy Director of the National Science and Technology Infrastructure, highlighted recent progress by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in managing scientific data. These efforts include revising policy documents, bolstering national scientific data centers, and formulating over 30 national standards. These national scientific data centers have so far supported the production of numerous high-quality academic and engineering outcomes, yielding significant results.

During the opening ceremony, the List of China High-Impact Data Paperswas released. After rigorous selection by a review panel, a total of 110 data papers were included in the “2025 List of China High-Impact Data Papers” and the “2025 List of China Rising-Star Data Papers”. These data papers cover six disciplinary fields: earth sciences, biological sciences, agricultural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, and other related fields.The Rising-Star List, a new addition for this year, spotlights promising data papers published over the past two years, seeking to recognize innovative, high-quality work.

Keynote speakers at the conference included Academicians GUO Huadong, XIAO Wenjiao, and FENG Qi, along with Professor Haji Akber Aisa and ZHANG Yuanming. Their presentations explored critical topics such as Earth Big Data for sustainable development, big data analysis of metallogenic processes in Central Asia, and ecological protection in Northwest China. ZHANG Yuanming, Director of XIEG, specifically highlighted the significant role of data from the Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition in the region's sustainable development, advocating for a dedicated big data syste

The conference discussed the critical role, challenges, and innovations of scientific data in driving precise decision-making for regional sustainable development. It also highlighted how data can empower global sustainability governance and track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Twelve parallel sessions explored topics including data-driven development and interdisciplinary integration. The conference also showcased the progress and achievements of XIEG's Scientific Data Center, injecting new momentum into its future development.