SBE News

Discover the latest research, insights and expert perspectives from Maastricht University School of Business and Economics. From groundbreaking research and societal impact to blogs, interviews and our SBE Podcast, this is where our researchers share knowledge that extends beyond academia.

In the spotlight

Tobias Hartl

UnveilML: Combining Econometrics and Machine Learning to improve the estimation of factors we cannot see

UnveilML combines econometrics and machine learning to better estimate hidden factors such as financial risk, the business cycle, and global warming. By adding long memory, interpretability, and reliable uncertainty estimates, it aims to deliver more trustworthy insights for high-stakes decisions.
Afscheid Wim Gijselaers_foto 1

A Lifetime of learning: Wim Gijselaers reflects on four decades at SBE

Professor Wim Gijselaers reflects on 40+ years at Maastricht University's School of Business and Economics, highlighting its rise to international recognition through innovation, problem-based learning and collaboration. As he retires, he celebrates people, lifelong learning and lasting impact.
dazm project new
  • Researchers

Interdisciplinary team receives funding for DAZM Project

Pilots will evaluate an open-source collaboration platform based on LaSuite, a unified collaboration platform built for public employees, as a potential alternative to existing digital workplace solutions.
Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wims (QE).png
  • UM news

Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wilms awarded €800,000 NWO grant to pioneer Econometric Intelligence

SBE researchers Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wilms have received an €800,000 NWO grant to develop Econometric Intelligence, a new methodology that combines econometrics and AI to analyse complex data and support better decision-making.
Marielle Heijltjes
  • UM news

Marielle Heijltjes reappointed as dean of the School of Business and Economics

The Executive Board of Maastricht University has reappointed Prof. Marielle Heijltjes as dean of the School of Business and Economics.

Research explained

Dive deeper into the research. In these blog posts, SBE researchers explain the ideas, methods and findings behind their work in an accessible and engaging way.

Tobias Hartl

UnveilML: Combining Econometrics and Machine Learning to improve the estimation of factors we cannot see

UnveilML combines econometrics and machine learning to better estimate hidden factors such as financial risk, the business cycle, and global warming. By adding long memory, interpretability, and reliable uncertainty estimates, it aims to deliver more trustworthy insights for high-stakes decisions.
Defense_Eric Schaap (1).png

Why More Isn't Always Better: What Business Networks Really Mean for Innovation

When it comes to business partnerships and new products, the connections you can't see may matter more than the ones you can. In innovation policy and strategy alike, the message has been consistent: connect more, partner more, collaborate more. But what if that instinct is only half right?
Julian Ashwin

Why the more we tackle ageing, the more it matters

Life expectancy rose greatly in the 20th century but progress has slowed as ageing-related diseases now dominate the global health burden. Research shows that reducing ageing-related diseases yields increasing returns, making healthy ageing the key challenge for future health and economic policy.
Dyllis van Dijk and Frenk Peeters stand side by side.

Positive health: Beyond the token fruit basket and workplace fitness

Positive health—it’s a term that crops up more and more often, including in relation to work. But what does it actually mean, and how can employers and employees put it into practice? Professor Tim Huijts studies positive health in the workplace.
Blackrock article_Juan Palacios

Turning conservation into an investment: a student journey in Biodiversity Finance

Master’s students from SBE examined how conservation can attract investment, designing financial tools to fund African Parks’ biodiversity work. Presenting at BlackRock, they learned how nature‑based finance can benefit ecosystems, communities, and investors.

SBE Podcast

Curious about the people behind the research? Tune in to the latest episode of the SBE Podcast for conversations with SBE researchers about their work and its impact on society.

Grants and achievements

Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wims (QE).png
  • UM news

Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wilms awarded €800,000 NWO grant to pioneer Econometric Intelligence

SBE researchers Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wilms have received an €800,000 NWO grant to develop Econometric Intelligence, a new methodology that combines econometrics and AI to analyse complex data and support better decision-making.
Dominik Mahr and Gaby Schröder-Odekerken of the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics
  • UM news

EU grant to co-create pioneering research in ethical AI for healthcare

Prof. Dr. Dominik Mahr and Prof. Dr. Gaby Odekerken-Schröder from the School of Business and Economics (SBE) are part of a consortium that has been awarded a €2.3 million Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions training network grant for their project JustHealth. This project aims to create a decolonised ethics...
  • UM news

Prof. Dr. Wim Gijselaers receives prestigious AERA Distinguished Career Award

Prof. Dr. Wim Gijselaers has received the Distinguished Career Award from AERA Division I, recognising his pioneering research, mentorship and decades of leadership in education in the professions.
Roman Briker
  • UM news

Research on AI in the workplace: Dr. Roman Briker wins Hustinx Science Award

The School of Business and Economics is proud to share that Dr. Roman Briker, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, has been awarded the 2025 Hustinx Science Award.

Stay connected

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