Welcome to BISS! We're a hub for bright minds diving into the fascinating world of data. At BISS, we're not just about teaching and researching data science; we're on a mission to make a real impact on society. By harnessing the power of AI and data science, we aim to tackle important challenges and create positive change. Join us in shaping a smarter, data-driven future at BISS!
Our work
Inspiration sessions Data science
3 inspiration sessions where participants will get insights and tools to increase the impact of data in their work.
EducationLinkedIn Post
BISS NEWS | ETHICOMP 2027 is coming to Maastricht & Heerlen! From 2–4 June 2027, Maastricht University and Brightlands Smart Services Campus will host the 23rd edition of ETHICOMP, an international conference exploring the ethical, social, political and philosophical questions surrounding technology. Under the theme “Tech Shaping Lives”, the conference will bring together international perspectives on the human(e) factor in technologies such as AI, IoT, robots, XR and VR. We’re especially proud that the conference is led by Dani Shanley (Maastricht University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and BISS - Brightlands Institute for Smart Society) and Katleen Gabriels (FASoS), in collabora
NewsTraining Data Interpretation, Ethics & Security
In 2 days, data science will be explained in an interdisciplinary manner using a case from the organization.
EducationLinkedIn Post
Wat een fantastische inzet en een geweldig resultaat! Vrijdag 12 juni heeft het team van BISS (@Brightlands Institute for Smart Society van Maastricht University) keihard gewerkt en maar liefst vier projecten succesvol afgerond en hiermee vier hulpontvangers hartstikke blij gemaakt! Van schilderen en laminaat leggen tot tuinonderhoud en ritten naar het stort: met de juiste energie kun je samen een grote impact maken, dat hebben de medewerkers van de UM wel laten zien. Stichting Present Parkstad dankt jullie voor de mooie samenwerking en deze waardevolle maatschappelijke dag! SamenSterk Vrijwilligerswerk ImpactMaken Limburg Trots MaastrichtUniversity Brightlands
NewsFAIR4AI: making AI models practically usable
In the suite of FAIR4AI projects, we are improving the practical usability of AI models by implementing the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.
FinishedProjectPublic Adoption of ADM Systems: The Impact of Transparency and Perceived Fairness
The public perceptions of algorithmic decision-making systems: Results from a large-scale survey.
PublicationScientific publicationPrevent factory shutdowns
How can we ensure an operator responds effectively to alarms and takes appropriate actions?
FinishedProjectLegal Research Software
Open source software for legal research tasks.
In progressProjectLinkedIn Post
BISS NEWS | New colleagues To go together with the beautiful summer weather, we'd like to share some good news from BISS! Recently, our team has grown, and we're excited to welcome not one, not two, but three new colleagues: David Henry Francis Wicker, student assistant, joins us as a full-stack developer and researcher, applying computational methods, network analysis and AI to advance legal technology and legal research. Hannes Westermann joins BISS on a two-year secondment from Maastricht University Faculty of Law. He will contribute his expertise in AI governance, digital regulation and law & technology to our new project on accessible legal data. Shashank Subramanya strengthens our
NewsChoosing under financial pressure: a VR experience
A VR tool that offers insight and reflection on financial stress and decision-making.
In progressProjectBETTER: Responsible data analytics in healthcare
In the BETTER project, we are working on the integration of technical (and administrative) aspects with the ethical and societal aspects during AI development.
In progressProjectBeNeDrone: Cross-border innovation in medical drone deployment
Drones in healthcare may seem like science fiction, but worldwide extensive experimentation is already taking place with the transport of medicines, blood, and even organs.
In progressProject
- 24 Projects
- 35 Partners
- 17 Presentations
- Thousands of Vlaaien
Current partners
Working together on accessibility
Collaboration with BISS helped us take a fresh look at a complex process like the social assistance application. By bringing together behavioral scientists, data scientists, and policymakers under the guidance of a design thinking facilitator, we developed an approach that is both human-centered and data-driven. Thanks to this interdisciplinary collaboration, we were able to truly take steps toward a simpler, clearer, and more accessible application process for our residents.
Working together on accessibility
Collaboration with BISS helped us take a fresh look at a complex process like the social assistance application. By bringing together behavioral scientists, data scientists, and policymakers under the guidance of a design thinking facilitator, we developed an approach that is both human-centered and data-driven. Thanks to this interdisciplinary collaboration, we were able to truly take steps toward a simpler, clearer, and more accessible application process for our residents.







