Modern Data Systems (MDS) is a research and innovation initiative focused on advancing the intersection of modern data systems and emerging hardware technologies. The project investigates how next-generation computing platforms, such as hardware accelerators, high-bandwidth memory, and fast interconnects, can be leveraged to improve the performance, scalability, and efficiency of data-intensive applications. MDS provides holistic support for the end-to-end management of the data lifecycle, from data capture, integration, and storage to processing, analytics, and exploitation. It develops novel architectures, algorithms, and system software that enable seamless interaction between data engineering and data science workflows. By bridging advances in hardware and data management, MDS aims to accelerate data-driven discovery and innovation across a wide range of domains.