MAID4S – Master’s in AI & Data Science for a Sustainable Future

Erasmus Mundus Design Measure project on Transdisciplinary Joint Master’s Programme on AI & Data Science for a Sustainable Future

The rapid advancement of (generative) AI, data science, robotics, and automation is reshaping our societies, economies, and environment. These technologies bring opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, but also pose risks such as job disruption, inequality, and environmental challenges. To harness their potential responsibly, digital literacy, especially in AI and data science, is essential. Developing these skills is crucial to fostering an inclusive digital economy and ensuring that technological advancements promote sustainability, equity, and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

Bridging AI and data science with sustainability principles is key to addressing global challenges such as environmental impact mitigation, resource optimisation, and equitable digital transformation. A transdisciplinary, challenge-based approach fosters the creation of effective, ethical, and inclusive digital solutions to today’s complex sustainability issues.

As digitalisation and sustainability become increasingly interconnected, nine universities have joined forces to design a new joint master’s programme. Led by the University of Barcelona (Spain), the consortium includes Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary), University of Montpellier (France), Åbo Akademi University (Finland), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (Germany), Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (Germany), together with two Latin American partners: the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (Chile) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

Bringing together strong expertise in AI, data science, sustainability, environmental engineering, and digital transformation, the consortium will ensure a transdisciplinary approach that connects Europe with a global perspective.

Project overview

The AI & Data Science for a Sustainable Future project aims to create a transnational Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme that merges advanced digital skills with sustainability principles to tackle key sectors for sustainable development.

In line with the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate neutrality goal for 2050, the programme will address energy, agriculture, environment, and transport as thematic tracks, essential for Europe’s circular economy transition.

Through academic-industry collaboration and a diverse global outlook, the project seeks to equip professionals with the expertise to spearhead digital and green transitions, fostering innovation and creating lasting, sustainable impacts across education, research, and society.

Key features include a joint degree policy, a mandatory physical mobility scheme, and harmonised academic and administrative processes to facilitate student progression. The programme will align with the European Higher Education Area and the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes, ensuring future EMJM recognition.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme is firmly rooted in research, leveraging the extensive expertise, research knowledge, and strengths of its partner institutions.