Call for Proposals

July 22-23, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN & online

The IPUMS Big Microdata Network and NDIRA, a collaboration between IPUMS and the University of Minnesota Life Course Center, are currently accepting submissions for the 2026 Data-Intensive Research Conference, to be held in person in Minneapolis, Minnesota; key components of the program will also be available to virtual participants. The conference theme is Novel Data Linkages and Innovative Life Course Research. The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026. 

Submit an Abstract

Enriching population data through data linkage creates novel data sources that can shed light on life course processes. Linking across time allows for the examination of transitions and trajectories and linking to contextual information situates the experiences of individuals and populations in their environments. We are interested in research presentations on a broad range of topics that address different stages of the life course. We conceive of linking broadly, including utilizing longitudinal linkages, linking identified data with external sources, situating individuals within contexts, or tracing places over time to reframe context.

We welcome submissions that leverage large-scale population data with a linking component to examine life course processes and stages in the U.S. and global contexts. We are particularly interested in submissions that use data from IPUMS–including papers that link complete count census data to aging surveys (e.g., HRS, PSID)--or EdSHARe, and are informed by a life course perspective. Competitive submissions will utilize linked data to examine health and other outcomes across the life course, including but not limited to:

• Early life conditions and later life outcomes
• Life-course population trends in context
• Role of structural disparities in life course processes and outcomes
• Place-based conditions, policies, and outcomes
• Health care services and supports across the life course
• Methods for assessing and improving data quality

All submissions will be considered for both paper and poster sessions. We strongly encourage submissions from new and early stage investigators and from new interdisciplinary teams. All researchers are welcome to submit relevant work. 

Authors are asked to submit a short abstract (150 words) and either an extended abstract (2-5 pages) or a completed paper; we will only consider abstracts submitted in English. Please clearly reference the data you are using in your abstract. Submissions will be considered for paper sessions as well as poster sessions. Note that if your abstract is selected for inclusion on the program in an oral session, your session will be recorded and posted to the conference website.

Submit an Abstract

Travel Support

We have funds to offer travel support for some conference presenters and some researchers selected to attend the workshop*. Recipients of travel support will receive reimbursement for some or all of the following expenses: domestic airfare, ground travel, and lodging. Interested participants must indicate their interest in receiving travel support as part of the abstract submission or workshop application forms.

NDIRA and the IPUMS Big Microdata Network seek to build and support an interdisciplinary and diverse community of scientists leveraging powerful data resources in innovative ways. Our goals are to build community, lower barriers to using complex data, and engage new users to expand use of these data. We offer travel support to increase the accessibility of the event. All conference presenters and workshop participants may apply for travel support.

*Workshop participants are expected to also attend the research sessions on July 22-23.