Center for Applied Computer and Data Science
The Center for Applied Computer and Data Science (ZAD) is a central, interdisciplinary scientific institution of Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), which was successfully established in the summer of 2025.
At ZAD, expertise from across the university comes together, with research characterized by digital methods, AI, or data-based analyses. It networks research groups, develops methodological competence, and creates spaces for interdisciplinary exchange wherever digital technologies and data-based methods change research and teaching. The center provides a common structural and methodological interface where interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, existing expertise is bundled, and new research perspectives in the field of applied computer and data acience are explored.
ZAD connects the following:
- Research: We support and accompany interdisciplinary research projects related to applied computer and data science.
- Competencies: We enhance the methodological expertise of researchers at all career levels and promote exchange across disciplines.
- Networking: We create structures for interdisciplinary collaboration and shape communities of practice.
- Consulting: We provide context-specific advice on AI, digital tools, IT systems, and research software.
HOW WE WORK
ZAD is a space where we want to actively help create the future in research and teaching together in an interdisciplinary and transformative way. The focus is on thematic priorities that the members themselves develop and bring to life.
A central concern of the center is to make existing expertise at the university visible, to enable new synergy, and to strengthen digital methods as a connecting element between the disciplines.
Shaping the Future Together
The center is open to everyone who researches, teaches, or works in computer science, data science, and their application. Whether it be ad hoc consulting, methodological cooperation, or conceptual development, we understand research as a joint process. Feel free to contact us at any time at: zad
ZAD's statutes can be found here. (German only)
ZAD's organizational structure is available here. (German only)
ZAD's Team
- Directorate
- Office
- Sections (under construction)
AI Competency Hub
- Open Affinity Group AI and University (OAG)
- Links, sources, texts, and statements
- AI consultation hours
- Glossary (under construction)
Projects and Events
- AI Summer Camp 2025 Techniques and Ethics of Generative AI - September 8-26
- Lecture Series (dates coming soon)
Open Affinity Group (OAG)
- OAG Wiki - a comprehensive collection of information, experiences, and results in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education
- Newsletter