The Thematic Research Network on Data and Statistics (TReNDS) convenes experts to catalyze learning and investment in the data revolution for development.
An explosion in available resources and the rapid evolution of technologies are transforming how governments, citizens, and companies use data, particularly to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our experts from across the global scientific, development, public, and private sector data communities analyze and advise on past, current, and emerging approaches to ensure that the benefits of the data revolution are extended to those most in need.
Our mission
Help strengthen the data ecosystem
We generate and curate ideas on how to strengthen local, national, and global statistical systems and governance.
Improve learning on data sharing
We incubate technical coalitions to establish practice standards for new data approaches being pursued by a wide range of stakeholders. We also analyze policies, conditions, and investments that enable data-sharing success to generate more frequent and disaggregated data.
Inform investment in emerging data opportunities
We support policy-relevant research on data financing to increase investment in comprehensive statistical systems.
TReNDS is an initiative of and is governed by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). We collaborate closely with SDSN's network, including by seeking opportunities to work with its regional and national networks on local data action solutions and other projects.
Members
TReNDS members are leaders whose expertise spans the spectrum of global and national data policies, standards, and processes that guide data production, access, and use.
Co-Chairs

Shaida Badiee
Open Data Watch

Laveesh Bhandari
Indicus Analytics

Robert S. Chen
Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN)
Current Members
Sabina Alkire
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Institute (OPHI), UK
Geoffrey Boulton
University of Edinburgh, UK
Calogero Carletto
The World Bank, USA
Samantha Custer
AidData, USA
Alex Fischer
University of Oxford, UK
Dilek Fraisl
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria
Xiaolan Fu
University of Oxford, UK
Enrico Giovannini
University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
Jonathan Glennie
Independent consultant, Colombia
Bram Govaerts
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico
William Hoffman
World Economic Forum, USA
Jeanne Holm
City of Los Angeles, USA
Tom Moultrie
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Virginia Murray
Public Health England, UK
Francesca Perucci
UN Statistics Division, USA
Philipp Schönrock
Centro de Pensamiento Estratégico Internacional (Cepei), Colombia
Eduardo Sojo
Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE), Mexico
Eric Swanson
Open Data Watch, USA
Former Members
Gilberto Câmara
Group on Earth Observations (GEO), Switzerland
Kate Crawford
AI Now, USA
Nicolas de Cordes
Orange, France
Melika Edquist (Secretariat Staff)
USA
Chukwudozie Ezigbalike
Formerly United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Ethiopia
Guo Huadong
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Bronwyn Harch
University of Queensland, Australia
Marc Levy
CIESIN, USA
Emmanuel Letouzé
Data-Pop Alliance, USA
Barbara Ryan
Formerly Group on Earth Observations (GEO), Switzerland
Keith Shepherd
World Agroforestry Centre, Kenya
Staff

Hayden Dahmm
Analyst

Jessica Espey
Director

Jay Neuner
Communications Manager

Sandra Ruckstuhl
Program Manager