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 and robotics.
We maintain a large network of public and private partners through our research collaborations and through the award-winning KE@Work programme. In addition, our staff teaches approximately 900 bachelor’s and master’s students in specialized study programmes in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science.
The Department of Advanced Computing Sciences is the new joint identity of the Institute of Data Science (IDS) and the former Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering (DKE).
Fast facts
- Home to over 100 researchers and PhD candidates
- 11 professors in total: 7 full professors, 3 endowed chairs and 1 distinguished university professor
- Data Science, AI and Computer Science education to around 900 students in dedicated study programmes
- More than 80 private collaborators ranging from local SMEs to large multinationals
- History tracing back to 1987
Research
Research at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences spans the disciplines and interfaces of artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, applied mathematics and robotics.
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.
Education
We also offer an exchange programme for students looking to study abroad.
News
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Artificial Intelligence (AI): is it an amazing technology that we need to implement absolutely everywhere, or a boogeyman that could spell the end of humanity?
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Special Chair of Text-Mining Jan Scholtes on how ChatGPT actually works, why it’s an amazing achievement and where we should probably exercise a bit of caution.
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The programme, which will boost fundamental research in artificial intelligence through public-private collaborations, has a total budget of over 87 million euros. ROBUST will include 17 new labs across the Netherlands and recruit 170 new PhD candidates.
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Computers are already capable of making independent decisions in familiar situations. But can they also apply knowledge to new facts? Mark Winands, the new professor of Machine Reasoning at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, develops computer programs that behave as rational agents.
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How do you teach children empathy? The new research consortium JOINclusion, launched on 1 May, aims to help increase social inclusion among children between 7 and 12 years old, especially in multicultural classrooms.
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A European consortium of 14 partners, coordinated by Maastricht University, has received €7.7 million euros in funding to streamline the curation and publishing of personal health data with the help of artificial intelligence.
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Maastricht University is about to add a new bachelor’s programme to its portfolio: Computer Science. The programme kicks off in September 2023.
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Data scientist Marijn ten Thij studies human behaviour on the basis of messages posted on social media. For example, he mapped the changing mood during the corona pandemic using 3.5 million tweets. The analysis of this kind of data is not only socially relevant, it could also help individuals in psychological distress. The underlying patterns are quite intriguing, says Ten Thij.
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Writing a thesis can be a lot of fun, particularly when you choose a subject that’s related to your favourite hobby. For Kristian van Kuijk, an avid cyclist, it’s even led to a dream come true. He’s found an accurate way to predict the energy burned by a rider during a race. The algorithm has impressed Team Jumbo-Visma, who are using Kristian’s predictions in this month’s Tour de France.
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The new department broadly covers research and education in artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, mathematics and robotics. Over 100 staff members find their home in the new group, which is embedded in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Agenda
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28 Jun 14 Jul12:00 - 16:00
IMAGINARY - Beauty and Power of Mathematics
The travelling exhibition includes numerous top-quality posters, a series of 3D objects, puzzle setups and several interactive apps that visitors can engage with via large touchscreens.
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