- Monthly themes for 2026, exploring key trends in data and AI, have been announced in The Data Lab’s online community.
- Host an event, write a blog or share resources to get involved in the highly engaged community of 7,500+ data and AI professionals.
Exploring trends in data and AI
The Data Lab’s online community, comprising over 7,500 members from more than 100 countries, has today announced its monthly themes for 2026.
From Open Data to Creative Industries, the monthly themes explore key trends and developments across sectors in data and AI, helping to shape events, discussions and content in the community that month.
Themes for 2026
January: Education and Skills
In an ever-evolving tech landscape, we’ll share robust learning resources and help you find the right data and AI training.
February: Marketing
What tools should we be using? Learn more about smarter, personalised marketing through the responsible use of data and AI.
March: Infrastructure
From computational power to data storage, we’ll explore the infrastructure needed to power robust AI solutions.
April: Open Data
Open Data is crucial in providing the essential, high-quality information needed to train robust AI models. From transparency, privacy concerns and opportunities for innovation, there’s a lot to discuss in Open Data.
May: Intelligent Futures
In keeping with our DataFest 2026 theme, “Intelligent Futures”, we’re asking What kind of future are we building with data and AI? And how do we ensure it works for everyone, across sectors, regions, and generations?
June: Energy and Net Zero
We’ll examine the crucial role of data and AI in the transition to net zero, from renewable energy optimisation, smart grid technology, and carbon footprint reduction.
July: Cybersecurity and Privacy
Essential in the realm of data and AI, learn all about data protection, ethical AI deployment, and regulatory compliance.
August: Creative Industries and Gaming
Discover how our creative industries and gaming sectors are being transformed through personalisation, immersive technology, and more.
September: Financial Sector
What does the future of AI in the financial sector look like? Delve into key issues and challenges, and the importance of responsible innovation in AI adoption.
October: Health and Life Sciences
Life sciences encompass the study of all living organisms and includes biology, genetics, microbiology, and ecology with the aim of understanding life at all levels. Innovations in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental conservation are all driven by advancements in life sciences. Explore how data and AI advancements present opportunities in areas such as personalised medicine and predictive analytics.
November: Data Visualisation
Dive into the world of storytelling with data and learn how data visualisation can help decision-making and communicate complex data into accessible formats.
Get involved
We regularly host sell-out events, both in-person and online, and have a highly engaged audience within our community.
Do you want to contribute to the community themes? We’ll help to promote your event and content, giving you the opportunity to widen your reach to new audiences and demonstrate thought leadership.
If you want to host an event or share content, here is how to participate:
- Host an event: Register your interest ASAP, then provide details at least one month in advance of the theme month.
- Write a guest blog: Register your interest ASAP, then provide a blog at least two weeks in advance of the theme month.
- Share your content: Simply post in the community, and we will reshare it in our weekly roundup email to over 7,500 members.
Register your interest
Do you want to contribute to the community? Register your interest using the form below to host an event or write a piece of content: