Apply to the January 2026 Digital Research Initiative

The GC Digital Research Institute (GCDRI) returns for its 10th year! Hosted by the GC Digital Fellows as part of GC Digital Initiatives, the DRI offers an immersive introduction to interdisciplinary research computing designed for beginning learners. Participants will gain foundational vocabularies and hands-on skills that empower them to become more confident, flexible, and self-directed technology users.

Are you interested in using digital tools in your research but unsure where to start? Do you want to develop essential computing skills in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment?

The DRI provides an introduction to core digital research methods that can be applied across a wide range of disciplines and projects. No prior programming experience is required. The institute begins with the basics—starting from the command line—and gradually builds toward a toolkit of approachable computing practices.

Eligibility

The institute is free and open to Graduate Center students, faculty, and staff. Applications are required.

Application

Apply here

Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2025 , 11:59 p.m.

Schedule

The 2026 DRI will take place remotely over four days:

January 20, 2026 (Orientation, intros and Command Line)

January 21, 2026 (Data Literacies, HTML/CSS & Intro to Python)

January 23, 2026 (Intro to Python)

January 24, 2026 (Track 1: Data Manipulation in Python, & Text Analysis, Track 2: Mapping)

Each session runs 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (EST), with breaks throughout.
Participants are expected to attend all four Zoom sessions.

Info Session

An optional virtual information session will be held during the GCDI drop-in hour:

Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m (Register here for the Zoom link)

If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected] or Lisa Rhody, deputy director of GC Digital Initiatives ([email protected]). We look forward to seeing you in January!

We look forward to welcoming a new cohort in January!