Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering

Department of Advanced Computing Sciences

The Department of Advanced Computing Sciences - sometimes abbreviated as DACS - is Maastricht University’s largest and oldest department, broadly covering the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, mathematics, robotics, and cybersecurity.

We maintain a large network of public and private partners through our research collaborations and through our honours programmes CS@Work and the award-winning KE@Work. In addition, our staff teaches approximately 1400 bachelor’s and master’s students in specialised study programmes in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science.

Research

Research at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences spans the disciplines and interfaces of artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, applied mathematics, robotics, and cybersecurity.

We develop new tools and methodologies to advance these fields. At the same time, we collaborate with a wide range of institutes both within and outside of Maastricht University and work on diverse applications, including in the fields of health and medicine, logistics, biology, art, physics, agrifood, smart industries, neuroscience, and education.

News

Thanks to AI, we can play a Roman game again

A rectangle incised with diagonal and straight lines, hewn from limestone quarried in France, a thrilling strategy game can look deceptively simple. The Romans used glass, bone or earthenware pieces. Players took turns trying to block each other’s pieces; whoever did it in the least number of moves.
AI generated image of 2 Romans in a historically accurate setting  playing a game

New master in Responsible Data Science: for ethical and sustainable AI developments.

As of September 2026, the new Responsible Data Science master’s programme at Maastricht University prepares students to become professionals who deploy artificial intelligence and other digital technologies with respect for both people and the planet.
Coulorfull annimation showing how the complexity of AI is unraveled. Knotted lines in a humans head are unraveled

UM Medallion of Honour and named award mark the valedictory lecture of education innovator Frank Thuijsman

The UM Medallion of Honour and the first FSE Frank Thuijsman Award; Maastricht University ensured that Frank Thuijsman did not depart quietly into retirement. Thuijsman is the founding father of KE@Work and was involved in the beginning of English-language instruction and project based education.
Frank Thuijsman smiling while talking

Nava Tintarev takes a leading role in national computer science platforms

As of January 2026, Nava Tintarev, Professor of Explainable AI at Maastricht University’s Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS), will join the boards of two of the Netherlands’ most prestigious computer science platforms.
Portrait of Nava Tintarev

Companies unlock Maastricht University’s hidden talent

@Work students serve as a bridge between academia and industry, helping companies recognise the university’s strengths. “We’re a hidden gem that’s gradually being discovered, as more and more people learn that we are one of the largest academic data science and AI programmes in the Netherlands
students and staff in front of NLcom logo