More Than 200 Participants Explore Pseudonymisation and Anonymisation in Research
On 19 March 2026, an online seminar “Introduction to Data Pseudonymisation and Anonymisation” brought together more than 200 researchers, academic staff, and doctoral students from various institutions to expand their knowledge of personal data protection in research.
The aim of the seminar was to provide practical insight into personal data protection methods and their application in research, to ensure compliance with data protection requirements while preserving the scientific value of data.
The seminar was led by Līna Lāže – a data steward from Rīga Stradiņš University. During the event articipants were introduced to the principles of data minimisation and their practical implementation in research projects. The session also provided a detailed overview of pseudonymisation and anonymisation methods, highlighting their key differences and suitability for different types of data.
Particular attention was given to the evaluation of anonymisation quality, including k-anonymity, l-diversity, and t-closeness, which allow for a quantitative assessment of re-identification risk and support informed decisions on data publication and sharing. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how to select the most appropriate data protection method based on research objectives, analytical needs, and intended data use.
The segment on the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in data processing attracted significant interest. It addressed why identifiable personal data should not be shared with external AI services and provided practical recommendations for using safer local and institutional solutions.
The level of engagement and the questions raised highlighted the need for clear approaches in aligning open science principles with personal data protection requirements. Participation in the seminar contributed to strengthening both knowledge and practical skills in responsible research data management.
The seminar presentation is available here, and the recording can be accessed here. (Both in Latvian.)
