At Erasmus University, we aim to further positive societal impact by collaborating closely with external stakeholders, including representatives from the public and private sectors, startups and scale-ups, and, of course, our alumni. If you would like more information on how to get involved, please reach out to our AI community, which specializes in triple and quadruple helix collaborations.
The Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics is EUR’s flagship centre and community for cross-disciplinary insight on the societal, economic, and organizational impact of data, AI, digitalization, and immersive technologies. With over 350 affiliated researchers and diverse external collaboration partners, ECDA bridges academia, industry, and government to develop ethical and impactful solutions for societal challenges.
It supports the university’s strategy by fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, enabling applied research and innovation, supporting education and lifelong learning, and providing applied services.
The Erasmus Data Collaboratory (EDC), established by the Convergence alliance, offers an open, experimental environment where researchers, students, and partners co-create value from data, AI, and immersive technology. With cutting-edge tools, tailored software, and the Erasmus Data Sandbox, it supports research, innovation, and education. As the university’s central AI hub, embedded in ECDA, it hosts events and collaborates closely with TU Delft and Erasmus MC.
The IX Lab, part of EDC, explores the use of VR and AR for education, research, and data storytelling. By combining immersive tech with data and AI, the lab creates engaging, interactive experiences that turn (complex) information into intuitive simulations for diverse audiences. 'It also serves as a platform to update campus stakeholders and external partners on the latest XR technologies and facilitate the use of XR in projects, research and education.
The Engagement and Research Services helps Erasmus researchers connect with external partners and internal initiatives to translate their work into societal impact. Innovation managers offer strategic support, also for AI-related projects, guiding collaborations and partnership development. Researchers working on Artificial Intelligence (AI) related research projects can contact the AI Innovation & Partnerships Manager, Goda Mockute, for tailored advice.
Erasmus Q-Intelligence (EQI) provides data-driven insights and training to help organizations address complex challenges with confidence. Backed by decades of expertise in econometrics and analytics, EQI combines rigorous research with practical application. It empowers decision-makers through customized advisory services and impactful, evidence-based solutions.
Major AI-related collaborative and co-creative programs & research Initiatives
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AiPact is an Erasmus Initiative focused on human-centered, interdisciplinary AI research that supports society through collaboration and public engagement. It explores AI’s role in art, communication, healthcare, and labor, tackling issues like sustainability, urban AI, and inclusion. AiPact, housed in ECDA, partners with Erasmus MC, TU Delft, and city initiatives for greater societal reach.
AICON connects citizens, artists, and researchers to explore the democratic and creative potential of AI through co-creation and public participation. It challenges traditional boundaries between science, art, and activism, inviting communities to shape how AI is understood and used. Initiated by Professor Moniek Buijzen under AiPact, AICON promotes accessible, socially responsible AI.
AI MAPS is a collaborative research initiative that explores how AI can support public safety in ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible ways. Led by Erasmus University with over 20 partners, it focuses on complex issues like neighborhood disorder, crime, and crowd dynamics. The project promotes human-AI collaboration and integrates ethical, legal, and societal considerations to safeguard public values and human rights.
AlgoSoc funded by the Ministry of Education and five participating universities, is a 10-year, interdisciplinary research initiative exploring how automated decision-making can uphold public values and human rights in sectors like justice, health, and media.
With key contributions from Erasmus University and others, the project aims to shape ethical, fair, and transparent algorithmic systems that serve the public good. By using citizen science, co-creation, and interdisciplinary expertise, AlgoSoc addresses the societal impact of technologies like AI and automation in our daily lives.
The Rotterdam Social AI Lab is a collaborative initiative that brings together residents, scientists, businesses, and social partners to ensure ethical and socially responsible use and development of AI and algorithms by the municipality.
It focuses on co-creation, transparency, and digital inclusion, involving the public in shaping how technology is used for social good. The lab aims to prevent harmful outcomes, promote trust in government, increase AI literacy, and inspire others by leading with socially conscious innovation.
Convergence AI, Data & Digitalisation Centers & Labs
Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Erasmus Medical Centre, and Delft University of Technology have formed the Convergence in AI, Data & Digitalisation initiative. This collaboration aims to strengthen the regional AI knowledge cluster and develop it into a global hub on education, research, and innovation in AI, Data, and Digitalisation by leveraging resources, talent, and collaborative partnerships.
There are diverse AIDD Convergence Centres and Labs focusing on applied AI research within specific themes.
CESI (Center for Energy System Intelligence) is a joint initiative by TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam focused on accelerating the energy transition through data-driven, AI-powered research.
It tackles the complexity of modern energy systems by developing reliable models, secure datasets, and intelligent tools. CESI fosters collaboration among researchers, industry, government, and communities to create impactful, scalable solutions. Its mission is to lead interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of energy and artificial intelligence.
The AI Port Center is a joint initiative by Erasmus University Rotterdam and TU Delft, collaborating with over 30 partners to apply AI in addressing challenges like autonomous transport, climate change, smart logistics, and energy transition in the port sector. Through practice-oriented research, the center aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the Port of Rotterdam and beyond.
The Convergence Center for Responsible AI in Health Care unites Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, and TU Delft to ensure ethical and trustworthy AI integration in healthcare. By combining interdisciplinary expertise, the center develops policies and frameworks that address the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI in medical settings.
The Feminist Generative AI Lab, a joint initiative by Erasmus University Rotterdam and TU Delft, explores how feminist principles can inform the design and development of generative AI technologies. Through interdisciplinary research, the lab aims to create AI systems that promote social empowerment, plurailsm, and justice.
The Immersive Technology Lab, a collaboration between Erasmus University Rotterdam and TU Delft, explores how VR, AR, MR, and holography can transform education, research, and societal engagement. Situated within the Erasmus Data Collaboratory, the lab fosters interdisciplinary innovation to enhance understanding and collaboration across various domains.
The centers are supported by ECDA, EDC, and Mondai (TU Delft).