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
How can we recognize sound when it is out of sight?
We combine AI and neuroscience to find out more about how the brain works when it recognizes sounds.
In progressProjectLinkedIn Post
UPDATE | Op deze Dag (van het Kind) staan we stil bij de rechten en het welzijn van kinderen wereldwijd. In Nederland leven meer dan 250.000 kinderen onder de lage-inkomensgrens. Armoede en schulden hebben diepgaande gevolgen voor hun ontwikkeling en toekomstperspectief. Bij het ELSA Lab voor Armoede en Schulden, gevestigd op de Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen, werken we aan innovatieve oplossingen om deze problematiek aan te pakken. Door de inzet van data science en kunstmatige intelligentie streven we naar vroege signalering en preventie van financiële problemen. Onze aanpak is gebaseerd op het ELSA-by-design principe, waarbij ethische, juridische en maatschappelijke aspecten
NewsTowards Holistic Automated Financial Advice: Definition and Ethical Challenges
Challenges of automated financial advice: Definition and ethical considerations.
Scientific publicationLegal Research Software
Open source software for legal research tasks.
In progressProjectLinkedIn Post
UPDATE | At the Brightlands Institute for Smart Society (BISS), we believe that technology only becomes truly valuable when it helps people move forward. As an interdisciplinary research institute of Universiteit Maastricht, we apply artificial intelligence and data science to solve societal challenges. In ways that are ethically, legally, and socially responsible. From improving decision-making in the public sector to advancing healthcare, smart services, and digital inclusion, our interdisciplinary teams work to shape technology that truly matters. Based at the Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen, we bring together science, government, and business to co-create a more inclusive
NewsAI to prevent poverty and debt
1 in 14 children in the Netherlands grow up in poverty. This is unacceptable, so we are doing something about it!
In progressProjectLinkedIn Post
🎉 Exciting news! Darian Meacham has been appointed co-investigator in the national ROBUST – Trustworthy AI-based Systems for Sustainable Growth programme 🇳🇱🤖 In March 2025, he also took over as chair of the Social Sciences & Humanities Committee, succeeding Prof. Dr. Nava Tintarev. 🔬 ROBUST is a major AI research initiative, supported by ICAI and led by Prof. Dr. Maarten de Rijke (UvA), with a budget of €87M and a mission to align AI innovation with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 💡 At UM, we're proud to contribute through the TAIM Lab, GENIUS Lab, and the ICAI Brightlands Smart Health Lab. TrustworthyAI ROBUSTprogramme ArtificialIntelligence FASoS MaastrichtUniversity Sustai
NewsPrevent factory shutdowns
How can we ensure an operator responds effectively to alarms and takes appropriate actions?
FinishedProjectTraining Data Interpretation, Ethics & Security
In 2 days, data science will be explained in an interdisciplinary manner using a case from the organization.
EducationExperiencing poverty with VR
Step into the shoes of a struggling family and experience the impact of financial stress in VR.
In progressProjectPriceless Assets of Subversion: Financial Crime and the Valuation of Unique Goods
In the PRICELESS project, we are improving the detection and prevention of subversive financial crime by examining how high-value unique goods—such as artworks, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT's) , and luxury watches—are transformed into financialized assets.
In progressProjectInspiration sessions Data science
3 inspiration sessions where participants will get insights and tools to increase the impact of data in their work.
Education
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Current partners
Outstanding partnership in empowering digital innovation
The Brightlands Institute for Smart Society has been located on the Brightlands Smart Services Campus since its founding in 2016 and our collaboration goes far beyond technology alone. Within the Brightlands ecosystem, we work on smart digital services, each in our own role. It is a very pleasant collaboration with short lines of communication based on our shared ambition to empower people and organizations through the socially responsible application of digital technologies and that improve the quality of life.
Outstanding partnership in empowering digital innovation
The Brightlands Institute for Smart Society has been located on the Brightlands Smart Services Campus since its founding in 2016 and our collaboration goes far beyond technology alone. Within the Brightlands ecosystem, we work on smart digital services, each in our own role. It is a very pleasant collaboration with short lines of communication based on our shared ambition to empower people and organizations through the socially responsible application of digital technologies and that improve the quality of life.
Our team
