Institute for Data Science

School of Computer Science

AI-based methods for the benefit of society and the economy

Interdisciplinary Research in AI, Data Science, and HPC

Our mission is to develop computational methods and technologies to address real-world societal challenges. As an interdisciplinary computer science institute, we focus on artificial intelligence, data science and high-performance computing, and apply these fields to business, health, the environment and space science. We work closely with external partners to ensure that our methods and solutions have a tangible impact. Our goal is to develop and apply computational approaches that drive meaningful progress across disciplines.

Our researchers teach in the Data Science and Computer Science programs. This provides students with the opportunity to participate in top-tier, international research projects.

Research Fields

At the Institute of Data Science, we conduct research in these fascinating areas:

Astroinformatics and Space Sciences

Astroinformatics and Space Sciences links Data Science and Space Science.

Institute: School of Computer Science

AI, Machine Learning & Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Innovative AI solutions for real-world applications – from Deep Learning to Agentic AI

Institute: School of Computer Science

Image Processing & Computer Vision

Automated image analysis: precision, efficiency and scalability for complex applications

Institute: School of Computer Science

Data Engineering

Data infrastructures for the future – robust, scalable and future-proof

Institute: School of Computer Science

Exploratory Data Science

Exploratory Data Science – Identifying Patterns, Understanding Relationships, Creating Knowledge

Institute: School of Computer Science

Heliophysics

The Heliophysics research group investigates the dynamics of the Sun, with a particular focus on highly energetic phenomena.

Institute: School of Computer Science

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

High-Performance Computing for the Future – Efficient Algorithms and Hybrid Architectures for Data-Intensive Applications

Institute: School of Computer Science

Information Processing

Development of algorithms for the optimal generation of information and knowledge

Institute: School of Computer Science

Services

Through various channels, we transfer our research expertise and capabilities into business and industry. We support partner companies by collaboratively developing tailored solutions to address specific challenges.

Student Projects

We offer business and industry partners the opportunity to propose projects for semester, Bachelor’s, and Master’s theses. Together, we define the project scope and take responsibility for supervising and evaluating the work. Of course, the participating company is warmly invited to be actively involved. This also provides an opportunity to connect with potential future employees.

Pre-Studies

We offer business and industry partners the opportunity to propose projects for semester, Bachelor’s, and Master’s theses. Together, we define the project scope and take responsibility for supervising and evaluating the work. Of course, the participating company is warmly invited to be actively involved. This provides an opportunity to connect with potential future employees.

Research Projects

In research projects with partners from business and industry, we develop solutions to specific questions in applied research. To ensure effective knowledge and technology transfer to the participating company, we generally conduct these projects in close collaboration with employees of the partner organization.

Funding

In addition to direct funding from the industry partner, applied research projects can also be supported by various funding programs. Depending on the project, cantonal, national, and international institutions offer financial support.

Collaboration with Business and Industry (german)

Through various channels, we transfer our research expertise and capabilities to business and industry. In doing so, we support our partner companies by jointly developing tailored solutions to address specific challenges.

Data Products and Applications (german)

At the Institute for Data Science, we generate a wide range of data products within our research projects.

Selected Projects

Speech Recognition for Swiss German

The FHNW Institute for Data Science is working on speech recognition technology to transform speech in various Swiss dialects to Standard German text.

Institute: Institute of Data Science
Research field: AI, Machine Learning & Natural Language Processing (NLP)

kennwerte.ch: Web application for estimating construction costs

An innovative solution for the estimation of characteristic values for the construction and real estate industry for the start-up company ‘kennwerte ag’.

Institute: Institute of Data Science
Research field: Information Processing

SySTEM2020: Connecting Science Learning Outside The Classroom

Research participant recruitment, data collection and mapping STEAM initiatives in Switzerland.

Institute: Institute of Data Science

IRIS Big Data

Machine learning methodology to detect, analyse and possibly predict solar flares from data provided by NASA's space telescope IRIS.

Institute: Institute of Data Science
Research field: Image Processing & Computer Vision and Astroinformatik and Space Sciences

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Continuing education programme

We offer a wide range of continuing education programs in German, designed to keep you at the forefront of digital innovation. At FHNW School of Computer Science, you benefit from practice-oriented learning, strong industry connections, and cutting-edge expertise. Discover the latest trends in IT and advance your career with flexible, high-quality programs tailored to professionals.

Explore all continuing education programmes