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.

MSc Responsible Data Science

Our 2-year master's programme in Responsible Data Science uniquely combines tech with responsible use. In your first year, you’ll take core and elective courses, applying new knowledge immediately through project-based learning. In your second year, you’ll tailor your studies with electives and focus on your internship and thesis.

Teaching method

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

News

DigiMach: digitisation for SMEs

Digitisation is becoming more and more important, including for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). DigiMach is a Euregional innovation project designed to help smaller companies in the metal sector move forward with digitisation. Maastricht University is one of the partners.

UMagazine DigiMach Anna Wilbik Rudolf Muller Rim Stroeks

Brightlands High Tech Agro: where robots and plants shape the future of horticulture

At Brightlands High Tech Agro humans will work alongside robots and drones. From its opening in june 2026, researchers, students, and businesses will collaborate here to build the future of horticulture, where technology and biology go hand in hand.

Leonard Lucas working with robot arms in the Brightlands High Tech Agro lab

New data and computing infrastructure enables the Einstein Telescope to listen for gravitational waves

Fourteen universities and companies from the Euregion are joining forces in the ETCETERA project. Together, they are developing an advanced data and computing infrastructure to help the Einstein Telescope detect and analyse gravitational waves.

Een illustraties van signalen die tussen sterrenstelsels reizen

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.