Outreach
Inspiring young minds through AI, Data Science, and Computing activities—outreach, workshops, research projects, and competitions for schools and the wider public.
Inspiring the Next Generation in AI, Data Science, and Computer Science
At the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, we are passionate about introducing young minds—and the wider public—to the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Computer Science. Through hands-on activities, research mentorship, and public engagement events, we explore how technology and mathematics shape the future. We do this in close collaboration with the Bètasteunpunt Limburg.
For High School Students
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Profielwerkstuk & Meesterproef Supervision – We provide expert guidance on research projects in AI, mathematics, machine learning, big data, and computational modeling in the final year of VWO education.
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Onderzoek & Ontwerpen topics – In the third year of Technasium education (VWO), we offer Onderzoek & Ontwerpen (O&O) topics designed to prepare students for careers in the STEM sector. This course connects students with real-world challenges from companies and institutions, giving them the opportunity to tackle authentic, practical problems while developing skills that will be essential for future academic and professional success in technical and scientific fields.
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Workshops – Interactive sessions on topics like scientific poster design, data analysis, and the basics of machine learning help students develop essential research and analytical skills.
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Poster Fair – We organize student poster fairs, where students who participate in the Profielwerkstuk & Meesterproef Supervision can present their work in front of their peers and university staff and students, and receive feedback. They also have a chance to win the best poster prize.
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TeenzCollege – TeenzCollege explores the theme of “War and Violence” from various perspectives, including historical, legal, sociological, and psychological. A key STEM element includes analyzing real-world data to understand complex issues like military spending, societal impact, and historical events. Students engage in hands-on projects that combine data science and computational modeling to explore patterns and trends, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Competitions in Mathematics & Problem Solving – Strong mathematical foundations are essential for AI and data science. We support and organize:
- The [Dutch Mathematical Olympiad](https://www.wiskundeolympiade.nl/old/en/index.html#:~:text=The%20Dutch%20Mathematical%20Olympiad%20(%60,every%2Dschool%2Dday%20mathematics.) (`Nederlandse Wiskunde Olympiade' = NWO) is an annual national mathematics competition for high school students. The NWO is not only aimed at the “top-of-the-class'', but at every student who feels challenged by a problem that involves unusual, entertaining, and not-every-school-day mathematics.
- The Maastricht Mathematical Modeling Competition (MMM), a regional competition open for students from the fifth and sixth grade VWO (the two last years of secondary school). In small groups of 2-5 persons students try and solve mathematical problems and possibly win the first prize of € 200. The problems are formulated in English and may be answered in Dutch, German or English.
For Primary School Students
- KidzCollege – A fun and interactive introduction to coding and robotics! Using the Micro:bit, children get hands-on experience with programming, and they explore educational robots to see how technology interacts with the real world.
Engaging the General Public
- Weekend of Science – As part of this nationwide event, we bring mathematics, robotics and programming to life for the general public through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities. This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to explore how technology impacts their daily lives.
- Pint of Science – We take AI, data science, and computing out of the lab and into local pubs! As part of this global science festival, our researchers share their work in a relaxed setting, making cutting-edge science accessible and engaging for everyone.
Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire, educate, and engage students and the public, bridging the gap between mathematics, computing, and real-world applications.