The Data Science research group conducts practice-oriented research into the creation of data products, including AI applications. The focus here is on their impact in a delta region such as Zeeland. Key contexts include, for example, coastal protection, safety, tourism, food, industry, energy and logistics.
The research group collaborates with businesses, public authorities and other research groups and knowledge centres to ensure that the data products align with the knowledge and needs of these sectors.
Data products enable users to make decisions more quickly, efficiently, effectively and accurately. The underlying process (Data Science) brings together disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, software engineering and machine learning.
Responsible use of data
Every data product is underpinned by a research process. What exactly is the problem and the associated question? Can a data product be part of the solution? Where is that data? How should that data be cleaned and pre-processed? Only then does the step towards such a data product follow. Sometimes an interactive visualisation is sufficient. In other cases, a predictive model is required, and nowadays AI can generate text, programme code, images and sound, even in combination. The Data Science research group’s priority is to do this responsibly. That is why identifying and mitigating bias in data, creating explainable data products and communicating about this in a transparent manner are of paramount importance.
Mischa Beckers is a lecturer in Data Science. He delivered his lectoral address on 16 November 2017: 'Do believe the hype'.
Projects
Zeelandbrug maintenance
The HZ Asset Management and Data Science research groups are collaborating with the province of…
