Turning data into value.

ECDA is Erasmus University Rotterdam’s flagship center and community for exploring the societal impact of Data, AI, Digitalization, and Immersive Technologies. With over 350 researchers across 30 labs and expert practices, ECDA unites expertise from across university faculties. We support applied research, experimentation, and lifelong learning, partnering with public and private organizations to develop and apply data analytics methods that address real-world challenges

Turning data into value.

ECDA is Erasmus University Rotterdam’s flagship center and community for exploring the societal impact of Data, AI, Digitalization, and Immersive Technologies. With over 350 researchers across 30 labs and expert practices, ECDA unites expertise from across university faculties.
We support applied research, experimentation, and lifelong learning, partnering with public and private organizations to develop and apply data analytics methods that address real-world challenges.

Our Belief

We believe data, algorithms, and AI can drive necessary societal change when applied ethically and with a human-centered approach. Guided by Erasmian values, digital inclusion, and sustainability, we strive to address major societal challenges, aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals. We are committed to preparing emerging talent to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape with skill, critical thinking, and responsibility.

Our Belief

We believe data, algorithms, and AI can drive necessary societal change when applied ethically and with a human-centered approach.
Guided by Erasmian values, digital inclusion, and sustainability, we strive to address major societal challenges, aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals. We are committed to preparing emerging talent to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape with skill, critical thinking, and responsibility.

Our Approach

At ECDA, our hands-on, human-centred approach serves as a central tenet of our programmes and activities. This approach involves working with real and current data sets, along with real individual, organisational, and societal challenges.

Our Approach

At ECDA, our hands-on, human-centred approach serves as a central tenet of our programmes and activities.
This approach involves working with real and current data sets, along with real individual, organisational, and societal challenges.

Our Focus

Within the ECDA community, we focus on facilitating multidisciplinary collaborations across established and emerging domains through various ways, including:

Expert Practices

Building chapters around specific impact themes to drive focused expertise.

Joint Research

Initiating research and innovation programs with internal and external partners.

Community

Connecting networks through EUR initiatives like AiPact, Q-Intelligence, and ErasmusX.

Event Hub

Hosting events like the Erasmus Data Summit and fostering interactions at the Erasmus Data Collaboratory.

Our Structure

ECDA’s organizational structure includes 28 Expert Practices, the Erasmus Initiative AiPact, and the Erasmus Data Collaboratory. The Expert Practices are organised around four core domains: technologies, methods, organisation and governance, and human and societal perspectives. They also focus on five key application areas: industry, health and care, port and logistics, energy and sustainability, and the public sector. AiPact promotes interdisciplinary AI research and education with a strong societal focus, while the Data Collaboratory acts as the central hub for data and AI activities on campus.

Our Structure

ECDA’s organizational structure includes 28 Expert Practices, the Erasmus Initiative AiPact, and the Erasmus Data Collaboratory. The Expert Practices are organised around four core domains: technologies, methods, organisation and governance, and human and societal perspectives.
They also focus on five key application areas: industry, health and care, port and logistics, energy and sustainability, and the public sector. AiPact promotes interdisciplinary AI research and education with a strong societal focus, while the Data Collaboratory acts as the central hub for data and AI activities on campus.

Team

Dr. Marcel van Oosterhout

Executive Director

Focused on digitalisation, AI, immersive tech for societal challenges; 25+ years in project management, research, and partnership

Jos van Dongen

Director Erasmus Data Collaboratory

Active in software development and data analytics since 1991; author, former SAS consultant, and educator of future data scientists.

Frederike Manders

Program Manager Immersive Xperience Lab

Award-winning XR expert leading the IX-Lab initiatives that explore the intersection of human experience, data, and immersive technologies

Marta Stachowiak-De Wit

Head of Marketing & Communications

Co-founder of Erasmus Enterprise; former Head of Marketing and Customer Excellence Manager EMEA; expert in branding, strategy, and impact

Marlon Domingus

Data Protection Officer

Specialist in GDPR, privacy governance, data ethics, and EU reforms; leads national groups, develops courses, and writes on data protection

Georgiana Carp

AI & Education Project Lead

Daphne Broer

Project & Event Manager

Passionate event organiser with B2B experience; background in Media & Entertainment Management; team player with a hands-on mentality

Marie Kegeleers

Immersive Tech Engineer

Monika Olbrycht

Design & Digital Marketing Coordinator

Graphic designer and illustrator skilled in DTP, digital design, and marketing tools; passionate about creative solutions and digital art

Elena Cañas Ochoa

Project & Event Manager

Farshad Radman, EngD

Platform Engineer

Specialist in IT infrastructure deployment and orchestration; hands-on building solutions in the whole life cycle of data/AI-driven projects

Dr. Zaman ZiabakhshGanji

Data Analytics Support Engineer

Experienced in data engineering, deep learning, ETL, RESTful APIs, ML solutions; skilled in Python, Django, AWS, GCP, and AI-driven projects

Delal Aktas

Website Coordinator

Aaron Liebig

Data Analytics & XR Asistant

Eleni Stamatogianni

Digital Marketing Coordinatior

Energetic marketing enthusiast passionate about digital growth, social media, and making an impact through creativity and data

Lucia Tarro

Event Coordinator

Jack van der Vall

AI Engineer Intern

Anete Zonnenberga

XR Asistant

Prof. Dr. Ting Li

Professor of Digital Business

Fields of expertise: digital strategy, e-commerce, platforms, analytics, social/mobile marketing, advertising, pricing, revenue, NWO.

Prof. Dr. Gui Liberali

Professor of Digital Marketing

Fields of expertise: marketing analytics, ML, ad analytics, bandits, adaptive trials, morphing, dynamic prog; works on clinical trials

Dr. Robert Rooderkerk

Assoc. Prof Operations Management

Expert in supply chain analytics, retail ops, omnichannel, assortment, fulfilment, tech, consumer behaviour, and global retail trends

Dr. Anne Kathrin Klesse

Associate Professor Marketing

Expert in tech’s impact on consumer decisions and AI perceptions. Veni grant winner and Visiting Researcher at Stanford GSB

Prof. Dr. Martijn de Jong

Professor of marketing research

Expert in quantitative marketing, data science & AI consulting across industries; ex-visiting scholar at Columbia and NYU

Dr. Yashar Ghiassi-Farrokhfal

Assoc. Prof Tech & Operations Management

Expert in digital energy, energy markets, system integration, storage, smart charging, e-mobility, city planning; involved in FlexSUS

Prof. Dr. Dion Bongaerts

Professor of Finance

Expert in fintech, blockchain, high-frequency trading, credit risk pricing, credit rating agencies, market liquidity; Veni & NWO grants

Prof. Dr. Rob Zuidwijk

Professor of Global Supply Chains and Ports

Expert in sustainable supply chains, synchromodal transport, inter-organisational logistics; Captain of Science and SmartPort ambassador

Prof. Dr. Iris Wallenburg

Professor of Sociology of Care

Expert in AI in healthcare, workforce development, and staffing; leads RN2Blend & RegioZ projects; advisor on national healthcare employment

Prof. Dr. Moniek Buijzen

Professor Communication & Behavioural Change

Expert in digital tech for healthy living, youth health campaigns, peer influence in social networks; leads NWO-funded SocialMovez project

Prof. Dr. Jason Pridmore

Professor of Human Centric AI and Society

Expert in digital ID, mobile security, data protection, surveillance, new/social media, consumer data; Vice Dean Education at ESHCC.

Dr. Bernold Nieuwesteeg

Advisor, Law & Economics of Cybersecurity

Expert in cybersecurity, cyberlaw, systems engineering, and policy; co-founder of CrossOver B.V.

Prof. Dr. Yvonne van Everdingen

Professor of Marketing and Innovation

Expert in marketing new products, VR/AR for sustainable adoption; serves on EUR Diversity Board, VR SIG, MOA groups, and chairs MOAward jury

Dr Maurice de Rochemont

Lecturer Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship

Prof. Dr. Dennis Fok

Professor of Econometrics and Data Science

Expert in econometrics, data science, ML, marketing, high-dimensional data; director of Econometric Institute and Business Analytics master

Prof. Dr. Aurélie Lemmens

Professor of Customer Analytics

Expert in customer analytics, ML, causal inference, decision optimisation; developed ProfitBoost; Marie Curie, Veni, and Vidi grant winner

Prof. Dr. Bas Donkers

Professor of Marketing Research

Expert in consumer decision-making, behavioural economics, quantitative analysis, and quantitative market research techniques

Prof. Dr. Esther Rozendaal

Professor of Digital Resilience

Expert in young people and adolescents' digital media use, wellbeing, behavioural change, and advertising.

Wouter Jacobs PhD

Director Erasmus Commodity & Trade Centre

Expert in commodity trade, supply chain management, maritime business services, spatial planning, and human geography

Prof. Dr. Evert Stamhuis

Academic Director Master Law & Technology

Expert in innovation of/in law, inclusive prosperity, criminal law and procedure, cybercrime, and regulation & governance in the AI era

Dr. Dimitrios Tsekouras

Assoc. Prof Transformative Education

Expert in digital commerce, digital business, online personalization, digital strategy, business analytics, product reviews, and edtech.

Dr. Trilce Navarrete Hernandez

Asst. Professor, Digital Cultural Economics

Expert in economic and historical aspects of digital heritage; advisor at EGMUS, board member at CIDOC, and guest lecturer in museology.

Dr. Kristiaan Glorie

Executive Director Erasmus Q-Intelligence

Expert in econometrics, data science, ML, operations research; leads AI solutions at Erasmus Q-Intelligence; director of DSBA program

Prof. Dr. Gabriele Jacobs

Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Culture

Expert in organisational behaviour, culture, leadership, change, and public safety; leads AI-MAPS project and AI in Public Safety at ECDA

Prof. Dr. Peter van der Spek

Professor of Pathology & Clinical Bioinformatics

Expert in biological studies, computer science, info engineering, maths and stats for complex diagnostics; visiting professor at Chulalongko

Prof. Dr. Klaus Heine

Professor of Law and Economics

Expert in legal consequences of tech disruption; Director of Jean Monnet Centre on Digital Governance; member of Germany’s Learning Systems.

Dr. Rebecca Moody

Assistant Professor, Public Administration

Expert in data governance, urban data ethics and impacts; Academic Director at BOLD Cities and Dean at Erasmus Graduate School of SSH.

Prof. Dr. Vincent Blok

Proffessor in philosophy of data science and AI

Expert in philosophy of technology & AI, prof. at WUR & EUR, director at 4TU Ethics, explores tech’s impact on humanity & the planet.

Gerrit Schipper  ​ ​ 

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Former ECDA Executive Director; chairs new advisory board; EUR Program Director AI, Data & Digitalisation; board member at NEMO, Recharge Ea

Annerie Vreugdenhil

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Chief Commercial Officer at ABN AMRO; passionate about equal opportunities, innovation, dialogue, and bridging diverse perspectives

Ed Brinksma

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Former President of Erasmus University Executive Board; ex-President of Hamburg University of Technology and Rector Magnificus at Twente

Elly de Vrijer

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Partner at Hightech Partners, leading Women in Tech & Boardroom Diversity. Mentor, talent advocate, and Strong Woman in IT 2021 nominee

George Westerkamp

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Impact investor and Board Member at Peter Biotherapeutics; advocate for societal change through science, innovation, entrepreneurship, & AI

Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Former Chairman of Aon Holdings and Aon Group expert in leadership, diversity, inclusion, equity, with 33 years in finance & insurance