The Wits Institute of Data Science (WIDS) seeks to be a world-leading interdisciplinary research and training institute with a focus on innovation in data science and machine intelligence. The mission of the University of the Witwatersrand is to grow its global stature as a leading research-intensive university and a gateway to research engagement and intellectual achievement in Africa. WIDS will provide a channel through which the above mission can be achieved by fostering intellectual excellence, international competitiveness and local relevance.