DEAI

Data Engineering for Data Science Doctoral Network

Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (DEAI) is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) program coordinated by ULB. It aims to establish a worldwide reference for developing talent and leadership at the intersection of Data Engineering (DE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The program’s core philosophy is that the successful operationalization and scaling of cutting-edge AI initiatives are only possible through rigorous data engineering. By bridging these two fields, DEAI addresses the current global productivity gap in large-scale, data-driven projects and seeks to boost Europe’s competitiveness in the international AI landscape.

The curriculum is delivered through a high-level academic consortium consisting of five leading European institutions: ULB (Belgium), UPC (Spain), TU Wien (Austria), UniPD (Italy), and UCBL (France). Over a two-year period, students undergo a structured mobility scheme that begins with foundational training in data management and AI at ULB and UPC. In the second year, the program offers specialized tracks tailored to modern industrial needs, including Knowledge-Driven AI at TU Wien, Financial Data Science at UniPD, and Heterogeneous Systems Intelligence at UCBL. This integrated approach ensures that graduates possess a holistic view of the data value chain, from infrastructure and processing to advanced reasoning and human-centered design.

Beyond its academic curriculum, DEAI fosters a robust “knowledge triangle” by integrating research, education, and innovation. The program includes unique components such as the European Business Intelligence Summer School (eBISS) and a “Summer of Code,” where students engage with real-world, large-scale innovation projects. The consortium maintains strong ties with industry partners and public research institutes, facilitating internships and master’s theses that solve actual professional challenges. This structure not only prepares graduates for immediate roles as Data Engineers and AI Researchers but also provides a direct pathway into prestigious doctoral programs across the European Research Area.

Ultimately, the DEAI project serves as a strategic investment in Europe’s digital future. By training a diverse cohort of highly skilled professionals and promoting open-science dissemination, the program ensures that the next generation of AI leaders can navigate the complexities of “Big Data” while prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and ethical standards. Through its joint-degree model and extensive network of associated partners, DEAI strengthens the European data economy and provides a blueprint for interdisciplinary excellence in the era of artificial intelligence.

My role

In addition to teaching and supervision of DEAI student, I serve as a Local Administrator for DEAI. In this capacity, I am responsible for the critical operational coordination of student mobility, specifically overseeing the exchange and validation of official transcripts and grades across the five partner institutions.

Factsheet