Data Science is a field of study that uses scientific methods, processes, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data.  Data Scientists come from a variety of backgrounds and can include people with knowledge of statistics, computer programming, and social science.  Data scientists work across the Census Bureau and play a central role in the Census Bureau’s efforts to incorporate new data sources and emerging technologies into its programs. The Center for Optimization & Data Science (CODS) in the Research and Methodology Directorate supports data scientists at the Census Bureau for research computing and by serving as a leader in Adaptive Design, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning.