FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Yuya Shibuya (left) and Dr. Jing Zhao (right) appointed as Co-chairs for the World Data System Early Career Researcher Network.

OAK RIDGE, TN, USA – 24 January 2025 The World Data System’s International Program Office (WDS-IPO) is delighted to announce the appointments of Dr. Yuya Shibuya and Dr. Jing Zhao as the new Co-chairs for the World Data System Early Career Researcher Network (WDS-ECR Network), joining Dr. Claire Rye, the current Co-chair. Their expertise in Earth Observation and Data research will help reinforce the WDS-ECR Network’s vision and goals. 

Dr. Shibuya specializes in studying the interplay between the digital and physical worlds, with a focus on designing participatory structures. She is an Associate Professor at the Center for Spatial Information Science at the University of Tokyo. Her research investigates how democratic participation evolves in the data field society and its societal impacts, employing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. For instance, she explores the concept of Civic Data — data “captured and owned by citizens for citizens”— as means to empower democratic engagement and promote sustainability. Additionally, she develops, collects, and analyzes geospatial and human mobility open data to advance understanding and applications in these domains.  

Dr. Zhao holds a Ph.D. in Signal and Information Processing and serves as an International Customer Service Expert at the National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC) of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). She is also a Principal Investigator at the National Earth Observation Data Center (NODA). With eight years of experience in data sharing and governance, Dr. Zhao specializes in assessing the quality of space-based Earth Observation (EO) data. She possesses extensive practical experience in managing carbon satellite data and fostering international cooperation for climate change and disaster risk research. As a young scientist member of the CODATA FAIR Data for Disaster Risk Research (FAIR-DRR) Task Group and Executive Director of the International Cooperation Programme on the Analysis of Carbon Satellites Data (CASA), her leadership has driven impactful projects, contributing to CODATA’s 2020 GEO Sustainable Development Goals Award. Dr. Zhao’s strategic approach to data practices and stakeholder engagement enhances collaboration within the global research community, significantly supporting early career researchers navigating data complexities and engaging with data-related issues and challenges.  

Daniela Santos Oliveira, WDS-IPO Program Manager, warmly welcomes Dr. Shibuya and Dr. Zhao to the leadership of the ECR network. “I am looking forward to working with the new ECR leadership team and supporting their initiatives to grow and energize our community.” 

About the World Data System Early Career Researcher Network (WDS-ECR Network) 

The World Data System Early Career Researcher Network is an initiative by the World Data System that aims to create a platform for early career researchers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate on data-related topics and challenges. The WDS-ECR Network organizes various activities, such as webinars and workshops, to foster a sense of community and belonging among its members. For more information about the WDS-ECR Network, please visit  www.worlddatasystem.org/early-career-researchers-network. 

 Media Contact: Cameron Breland, Communications Specialist cbrelan1@utk.edu

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