Creating value from data: IDP becomes the Institute for Data Science
The relevance of data-based sciences for the economy and society is growing. At ZHAW, this field is now also being formally established with the Institute for Data Science (IDS) at the School of Engineering. The institute uses future-oriented data-based technologies and established methods for education and research.
The University of Applied Sciences Council approved the name change from the Institute for Data Analysis and Process Design (IDP) to the Institute for Data Science (IDS) as of January 2026. Data science has been a strategically important subject area for the entire ZHAW for many years. With the renaming of the IDP to Institute for Data Science, this key topic for the future now also has a visible institutional home.
The renaming was carried out as part of a reorientation of the institute in response to a trend that has been ongoing for years. Data science is increasingly permeating all areas of life and the economy, and the importance of various data-based technologies will continue to grow in the coming years. These include future-oriented application areas such as AI, machine learning, and data-driven value creation and decision-making processes.
«The renaming to Institute for Data Science strengthens the institute's visibility, relevance, and appeal, positioning it in the long term as a leading address for application-oriented data science in Switzerland and Europe.»
– Nikola Pascher, Head of the Institute for Data Science (IDS)
For economy and society
The Institute for Data Science continues to be a reliable partner for companies, public authorities, and society, actively shaping the future of data-based science. Accordingly, the IDS's vision is: “We generate value from data.” The IDS contributes directly to the digitization of industry, infrastructure, and public administration and creates immediate economic and social benefits by solving specific application problems using methods from a broad portfolio.
Education as the institute's core task
The Institute for Data Science is involved in the bachelor's degree programs in engineering and management and data science. The Institute for Data Science played a fundamental role in the development of the latter, which is now also reflected in its name. In addition, the ZHAW School of Engineering offers established continuing education programs in the field of data science as well as collaborative PhD programs with other universities. The Institute for Data Science also played a key role in establishing the ZHAW's Datalab and Data Innovation Alliance.
Contact
- Prof. Dr. Nikola Pascher, Head of the institute, Institute for Data Science, +41 58 934 44 43, nikola.pascher@zhaw.ch
- ZHAW School of Engineering media office, +41 58 934 75 82, medien.engineering@zhaw.ch
Over two decades of experience
Since its founding in 2001, the institute has focused—regardless of its name—on the development and application of quantitative methods for solving practical problems. In particular, it has focused on operational processes in the fields of industry, transportation, mobility, health, economics, and finance. However, the methodological landscape has changed significantly over the past 20 years. While statistical methods, data mining, and optimization topics dominated in the beginning, machine learning and artificial intelligence are now established tools in research and industry. The Institute for Data Science builds on the solid foundation of the IDP, which has been in place for over two decades, while also looking toward the future.
