About the center

The Interdisciplinary Center for Data Science has been operating within Babeș-Bolyai University since 2019, motivated by the goal of optimizing the public institutional framework in the field of data science. It encompasses four major areas of activity: (a) the creation and interconnection of databases, (b) data exploration, (c) complex data analysis, and (d) analysis reporting. This sector employs both personnel skilled in programming languages and database querying (hard statistics) and personnel qualified in statistical data processing and interpretation (soft statistics).

The Interdisciplinary Center for Data Science has an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary character, established through cooperation among the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, the Faculty of Geography, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, the Faculty of Political, Administrative, and Communication Sciences, and the Faculty of European Studies.

In addition to the involvement of teaching and research staff from these five faculties, the organizational structure of the Interdisciplinary Center for Data Science includes representatives from local public institutions, actors from the business sector, and non-governmental organizations. Thus, the Center directs its attention to the existing needs in both the academic environment and the broader private and public sectors.

Objectives

The development of an institutional framework for initiating programs and projects aimed at data analysis, interpretation, forecasting, and dissemination of quantitative research reports through the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Center for Data Science.

The creation of an interdisciplinary data analysis space involving knowledge from related disciplinary fields: sociology, human geography, economics, public administration, and data management, through the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Center for Data Science.

The joint application and development of knowledge and skills in statistical data processing and the use of specialized software for analysis and graphic representation among members, by implementing personal research projects or collaborating with public institutions, NGOs, and private organizations.

Deepening scientific knowledge about data and statistical analysis, and fostering critical methodological reflection on data sources, quality, and explanatory potential, through the organization of conferences, workshops, or training sessions for center members and external guests.

Providing opportunities for personal and professional development in an organized and supported framework by Babeș-Bolyai University for teaching and research staff, through teamwork and knowledge exchange.

Offering a professional specialization pathway for graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs from partner faculties through mentorship programs, teamwork, and knowledge transfer.

Providing specialized consultancy to research and teaching teams from partner faculties on aspects related to research methodology, data quality, statistical analysis, and reporting, through institutional and scientific collaborations.

Achieving scientific recognition nationally and internationally through the periodic publication of scientific articles, collective volumes, and books with prestigious publishers and journals, and participation in top scientific conferences in the field of data science and related areas.

Gaining professional recognition and demonstrating the Center’s capacity to add value to data knowledge from public institutions, NGOs, and businesses, by establishing partnerships and collaborations with research institutes and other public or private organizations.

Innovating in data work (data collection, analysis, and dissemination), self-learning, and teamwork through the initiation of international mobility programs for knowledge transfer or acquisition in the field of data science.

Leveraging publicly available or organizational data through statistical analyses, forecasting, reporting, or proposing changes, improvements, or solutions to problems.