Our World in Data (OWiD) is a research project based at the University of Oxford, led by Professor of Practice in Global Data Analytics Max Roser . Their research focuses on large-scale global issues like poverty, energy, education, and climate change. They collect data from multiple trusted international sources — such as the UN, World Bank, and WHO — and present it through engaging, interactive charts and maps.
Thanks to OWiD’s open-access ethos, their data is the perfect complement to CORE’s resources, which is why their charts have been central to our texts for years. OWiD’s resources have recently expanded with the introduction of archival versions of charts. With that in mind, we spoke with OWiD’s head of product and design, Joe Hasell, CORE data editor Tina Rozsos, and CORE editor Eileen Tipoe , to learn more about the project and its relationship with CORE.
What is OWiD’s mission?
Joe: To make progress on the big problems facing the world — poverty, disease, hunger, climate change and much more besides — we need to understand these problems, relying on the best data and research available. OWID’s mission is to help make this data and research understandable and accessible. Of course, we are just one among a large ecosystem of people and organisations also working towards this and similar goals. One of the ways we are able to support this ecosystem is by providing access to interactive data visualisation tools — all our work is open access and free to use.
How did you become involved with CORE?
Tina: During my bachelor’s degree, my economics professor mentioned that CORE was looking for a data manager. The role aligned perfectly with my interests, so I applied. I have been working with CORE ever since. Now I do so while pursuing a PhD in economics.
Eileen: CORE and OWID started collaborating because we wanted to have interactive data charts in our ebooks to allow students to explore the data in more detail – for example to view data for countries that aren’t shown in the static chart, such as in the ‘hockey stick’ chart in Unit 1 of The Economy 2.0: Microeconomics.
How does OWiD cooperate with CORE?
Tina: Many of the static, data-driven figures in CORE textbooks have interactive versions hosted on OWiD. These interactive figures are embedded in the textbooks and also available on the OWiD website.
What is special about this cooperation?
Eileen: As an instructor, I think CORE’s collaboration with OWID is unique because of two main things.
The degree of integration – OWID charts are ’embedded’ in the ebook, so users can switch from the static to interactive version without leaving the ebook. The hockey stick chart is one example.
The extent of interactivity. For example, students can explore and customise the charts, and download the data used to make the chart. These features also increase the degree of transparency. Instead of taking the data ‘as is’, students can verify it for themselves. It also helps improve data literacy, a key skill in the workplace.
Joe: We’re extremely happy that CORE are able to make use of our data visualisations, so that they can focus on their unique strengths of making an Econ syllabus fit for the 21st century.
What is the benefit of the new archival version of charts?
Tina: The new archival version of charts is especially useful for teachers who want stable, reliable course materials throughout a course. It also allows users to track how data evolves over time, including changes to historical data from methodological improvements.
Eileen: I’ll answer from the perspective of an instructor and someone who creates CORE’s teaching materials. Archival charts help avoid broken links. Previously, CORE had several issues when a URL to raw data either changed or was removed, leading to users having difficulties with finding the data. Archival charts also mean users can download the exact data used in the exercises and learning activities. In the past, we had to provide answers with the caveat “these answers are based on data downloaded at XXX; your answer may be slightly different if using more updated data”. Now, we can link to the archival data so users can replicate the answers provided.
What are the challenges of collecting and maintaining up-to-date data in a rapidly changing world?
Joe: Making and maintaining our interactive data visualisation tools is hard, and requires a lot of investment and a particular combination of skills and experience: software development, design, data management, but also knowledge of the subject and communication skills in order to present the data in an accurate and understandable way.
Tina: A major challenge is that different sources often report the same data using slightly different methodologies. Multiple sources can provide valid, reliable data, but if values differ, we need to make decisions on which to use. Typically, we select datasets with the best coverage, especially for long-term or cross-country comparisons, though some choices are inherently arbitrary. Scientific consensus about methodological choices in data collection can also change, forcing reconsideration of data sources. For example, we have had extended discussions on the best source for historical GDP per capita. Changing the data source can significantly affect the interpretation of a visualisation, so we need to make these decisions with care.
Many thanks to Joe, Tina, and Eileen for taking the time to speak with us.
Useful links:
Our World in Data https://ourworldindata.org/
Our World in Data on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/ourworldindata.org
Joe Hasell on X https://x.com/joehasell
Tina Rozsos website https://tinarozsos.github.io/
