RDA 26th Plenary Meeting (VP26)
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Date
16 – 20 Mar, 2026
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Location
Virtual (online)
The RDA has been working since 2013 to create solutions to allow researchers to openly share and re-use data across technologies, disciplines, and countries. The RDA 26th Plenary Meeting took place fully virtually under the theme ‘Data Continuity for Research Resilience’, from 16-20 March 2026.
Data continuity is essential for research resilience. As the research and scientific landscape faces institutional changes, technological transitions, and global disruptions, VP26 brought together the RDA community to address critical challenges in maintaining access to research data. Through collaborative sessions, RDA groups and individual members explored strategies for building robust data infrastructures, preserving research outputs, and ensuring data remains accessible regardless of the challenges.
316 global attendees joined us during four days of VP26 to explore data continuity strategies that strengthen research resilience in times of change, crisis, and transformation.
VP26 Day 1 Opens with a Wake-Up Call on Data Loss
RDA’s Secretary General Hilary Hanahoe opened RDA’s 26th Plenary Meeting (VP26) with a striking question:…
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VP26 Day 2 Highlights: People and the Power of Regional Engagement
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VP26 Day 3 Highlights: Connections, Discovery and the Road to Smarter Data
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VP26 Day 4 Wrap-Up: A Global Community United by Data Resilience
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For Who?
- ✅Data scientists
- ✅Data professionals
- ✅Researchers
- ✅Industry leaders
- ✅Entrepreneurs
- ✅Policy makers
- ✅Data stewards
New to RDA Plenaries?
Get the Newcomer’s Guide to navigate your first (or next) RDA Plenary!
Why Attend?
- ✅Virtual and Global – join from anywhere
- ✅Sessions across ALL time zones
- ✅Low fees + LMIC support
- ✅Expert sessions on AI, FAIR, Ethics & more
- ✅Recordings available 24h later
- ✅Network with global data community
- ✅Newcomer-friendly sessions
Curious who’s attending VP26?
Browse the full attendee list to discover data professionals from your region and around the globe.
Meet Keynote Speakers
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Sara Rouhi
Jeroen Sondervan
Shelley Stall
Registration
Join the global RDA community in March 2026 to take part in shaping the future of data. Registration fees remain unchanged from VP24 (held in April 2025) to allow the participation of as many RDA members as possible.
Timeline
Explore the key milestones to plan your participation at the RDA VP26!
Session Chairs Planning Communication
Missed any planning updates? Check the latest updates to prepare for your session.
Programme
About RDA Plenaries
Plenaries are productive working meetings that bring together a unique community of data scientists, librarians, computer scientists, and domain scientists. They help move the RDA community forward in creating tangible deliverables that improve data sharing across disciplines, technologies, and countries.