Review: Symposium The Future of a Data-Driven Society
Every day we hear about how artificial intelligence and big data technologies are changing our daily lives, and changing the world. What more will the future bring, and will society be ready for it?
The conversation on ‘The future of a data-driven society’, was held on the day before the Dies Natalis. The event featured keynote lectures by inspiring leaders and competitions for world-changing visions and outstanding research proposals.
Keynote lectures
- Prof. Carole Goble from the University of Manchester set out her vision on the future of science. Prof. Carole Goble emphasised the importance of sharing and publicising research data according to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), and demonstrated which steps she takes to do so.
- Prof. Lucy Suchman from Lancaster University. Prof. Lucy Suchman is an anthropologist with extensive experience and expertise relating to the interaction between people and computers. She explained her recent study into the role of robots in geriatric care, and presented a new approach to technological design within the field of healthcare.
Video Symposium: The Future of a Data-Driven Society

The symposium featured two exciting lectures by speakers, from the field of data sciences and digital technology, who will receive honorary doctorates from Maastricht University the very next day at the Dies Natalis celebration.
A new website for UM's data science community was launced at the event as well.
Impressions from the symposium
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Prof. Martin Paul, president of Maastricht University, opens the symposium.
Photography by Harry Heuts
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Prof. Michel Dumontier, in charge of the officially launded Institute of Data Science.
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Prof. Carol Goble from the University of Manchester gave an inspiring lecture.
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Members of the prize winning team present their research project titled 'Intelligent games for assessing cognitive, social and physical capacities of elderly and children'.
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Sally Wyatt, Professor of Digital Cultures at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
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Winner of the 'visionary essay competition' Claudia Egher.
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Lucy Suchman from Lancaster University gave an inspiring lecture as well.
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Professor Dumontier closes the symposium.
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Poster Session
The Institute of Data Science invited submissions of posters highlighting innovative and impactful on-going research projects that have data science components to tackle key problems of societal relevance.
Vision essay competition
The Institute of Data Science invited the submission of visionary essays concerning the future of a data-driven society.
Research competition
The Institute of Data Science invited the submission of exceptional research proposals that focus on the use of data science to tackle problems of significant relevance to society.