The document discusses the emerging field of computational social science, which leverages vast data collection and analysis capabilities to reveal patterns of individual and group behaviors at unprecedented scales. It notes both opportunities and risks for this new interdisciplinary field, including the need to develop training and standards to ensure research remains in an open academic environment where findings can be verified and built upon, rather than restricted to private companies or government agencies. The field shares needs with other emerging fields like sustainability science to establish paradigms for training new scholars.