Call for Contributions:
Decoding the Noise: Unstructured Data in Practice

Exploring the power and pitfalls of unstructured data. This new MRS event, hosted in collaboration with the Social Intelligence Lab, will spotlight the evolving landscape of unstructured data. Its potential, its challenges, and its role in shaping cultural insight and strategic decision-making.

Deadline for submissions: 10 November 2025

In a nutshell

We invite contributions that showcase how researchers are harnessing unstructured data across diverse platforms, from social media and forums to video and audio content. This is not just about social listening; it’s about the broader use of social data, including semiotics, cultural analysis, and the integration of generative AI.

What we’re looking for

We welcome submissions from client-side researchers, agencies, and academic practitioners who are pushing boundaries in the following areas:

Case Studies

Platform-specific research stories
Share how you’ve used a particular platform to uncover cultural insights, decode semiotic patterns, or drive strategic decisions. We’re looking for diversity in platforms and approaches.

Use of Generative AI

Innovative applications of Gen AI in research
Tell us how Gen AI has been used in your project, whether for data synthesis, insight generation, or creative interpretation of unstructured inputs.

Panel Discussion

Data quality challenges in unstructured data
We’re curating a panel to explore the complexities of data quality: bias, noise, representativeness, and ethical considerations. If you’d like to participate or nominate a speaker, let us know.

Session Formats

You can submit proposals for:

• Presentation or Case Study (30 mins)
  Share your story of using unstructured data to generate insight or impact.
• Panel Participation (30 mins)
  Join a discussion on data quality challenges and solutions.
• In Conversation With… (30 mins)
  Interview-style session with collaborators or clients to explore how unstructured data is being used in practice.

How to Submit

Please send your proposal to MRS by 10 November to Hayley.jelfs@mrs.org.uk     

Include:

• Session title
• Format
• Speaker(s)
• Summary of content (max 300 words)
• Why this matters now/data quality challenges faced/solutions