Dear members of the CDS community,
These are unprecedented times, for you, for CDS and NYU, for New York City, the country and the world. You all have had to deal with new stresses, anxiety and uncertainty over the last weeks. And perhaps the worst to face is the ongoing uncertainty around the future that prevents us from making plans and decisions.
I want to thank you for the effective and efficient way in which you have navigated all of the changes over the past months. I am very proud of this institution and our community, which has risen admirably to the new challenges posed by a remote world. Our faculty have quickly transitioned their classes to digital formatting. Most of our events have also transitioned online. Our staff has worked tirelessly to ensure smooth functioning. Our research marches on with even greater speed, and many of our data scientists have taken an active and critical role in fighting the outbreak. We have rallied together as a community, and I have seen countless ways we have supported each other and cared for each other in this time.
Many have asked how to become involved and contribute your skills and expertise to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19, or to simply stay informed about NYU-wide research efforts in this direction. Several schools and units at NYU are already working tirelessly. CDS has launched a website that aims to collect university-wide resources and efforts and connect skills to relevant problems and data sets: NYU Mobilizes Against COVID-19. We are in touch with most major schools and units across NYU and will report or link to their efforts on the site, both within NYU and nationally and announce events as we become aware of them. Volunteers can find ways to connect.
To the CDS community and its supporters, I want to express my heartfelt concerns for you and your loved ones. Most of all, I want to express my gratitude to you all for your tireless work not only to continue as normally as possible, but to push the boundaries in creative ways and to volunteer your skills in this moment. I am humbled daily to witness your terrific efforts and am certain that with your creativity, persistence and spirit we will make it through this together, stronger than ever.
My very best wishes to all of you!
Sincerely,
Julia Kempe, Director