In recent years, enormous advances have occurred in the collection and analysis of quantitative data. While there is an increasing focus on Big Data (social media, credit card purchases, cellphone records…), major innovations have also taken place in more traditional, “structured” data collection approaches and through combining new and traditional types of data. Many of these improvements have occurred within “silos” – the institutions tasked with data collection and researchers working within their specific disciplines or projects – limiting their broader validation and use.

This three-day Expert Group Meeting will bring together leading researchers and practitioners to present their innovations, emphasizing low and middle-income country contexts. Participants will include top researchers from universities and key institutions involved in international data collection (World Bank, UNFPA, CIESIN, WorldPop…), leading practitioners from National Statistical Organisations, and representatives of major donors.