Department of Advanced Computing Sciences

Research Institute

Faculty of Science and Engineering

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.

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 1400 students in dedicated study programmes
More than 80 private collaborators ranging from local SMEs to large multinationals
History tracing back to 1987

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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.

Explore our research and see the latest news, grants and media appearances

Education

BSc Computer Science

This 3-year bachelor's programme focuses on developing software for the purpose of improving the performance of computers.

Bachelor's programme in Computer Science

BSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Our 3-year bachelor's programme offers a combination of applied mathematics and programming, and focuses on the technical aspects of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

MSc Artificial Intelligence

Our 2-year master's programme in Artificial Intelligence focuses on simulating human intelligence for a wide variety of applications: from game design to patient diagnosis.

MSc Data Science for Decision Making

Our 2-year master's programme in Data Science for Decision Making teaches students to extract valuable information from large datasets for widespread applications.

Teaching method

All of our study programmes employ project-centred learning: an educational model that trains employability skills in addition to technical skills.

News

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

DigiMach places Meuse-Rhine Euroregion at the heart of industrial digitalisation

DigiMach (Digital Machining) is a new cross-border project uniting Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands around a common goal: accelerating the digitalisation of the machining industry in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion.

Maastricht University contributes to FASTTRACK: extremely fast particle detection at CERN

Maastricht University is participating in the FASTTRACK project, which has been awarded a €21.7 million NWO Roadmap grant. FASTTRACK will enable extremely fast detection of particle collisions in the Large Hadron Collider.

Harm Askes: “Helping people excel, no need for showmanship.”

Harm Askes, the new vice-dean of FSE “Let’s continue building a faculty where talent shines: no ego, just impact, collaboration, and curiosity."

Portrait of Harm Askes, vice dean of FSE

DigiMach: Digital Transformation of the Machining Value Chain for Sustainable Growth

Researchers

DigiMach is a transnational 3-year collaborative approach that will transform manufacturing across the Meuse-Rhine region by bringing AI, IoT, and robotics to small and medium-sized enterprises in the machining sector. The project will assist more than 150 SMEs to adopt smart, digital tools, through...