Literacy day: why researchers need a data literacy revolution

Abstract

This year marks the 58th anniversary of International Literacy Day, which is celebrated annually on 8 September. While traditional literacy centred on the four language faculties of reading, writing, speaking and listening, the modern world increasingly demands 'multiliteracies' - including visual and digital literacies. The 2025 International Literacy Day theme, 'Promoting literacy in the digital era', underscores the convergence of these literacies. As UNESCO explains: "Beyond reading and writing on paper, literacy in the digital era enables people to access, understand, evaluate, create, communicate and engage with digital content safely and appropriately."