The field of data compression is witnessing significant advancements, driven by the growing need for efficient storage and transmission of large amounts of data. Researchers are exploring innovative techniques, including neural compression and advanced coding tools, to improve compression performance and enable new applications. One notable trend is the development of universal codecs that can replace existing formats, offering improved compression ratios and features. Another area of focus is the compression of specialized data, such as astronomical images, where new datasets and benchmarks are being introduced to facilitate research. Noteworthy papers in this area include:

• The JPEG XL Image Coding System, which offers a comprehensive overview of the new image coding system and its potential to replace existing formats.
• AstroCompress, which introduces a neural compression challenge for astrophysics data and demonstrates the potential of lossless neural compression techniques to enhance data collection at observatories.