Welcome to the Mannheim Center for Data Science

The Mannheim Center for Data Science (MCDS) joins the University of Mannheim’s expertise in economics, business, social and behavioral sciences.

It is our mission

to further improve the understanding and value of data,
to explore the digital transformation of individuals, business and society using structured and unstructured data,
and to identify rules for the responsible handling of data and analytical methods for the benefit of society.

We want to enable innovative interdisciplinary research that understands processes underlying societal stability and change and addresses global challenges that are also relevant to local institutions and industry.

The MCDS sees itself as a platform to connect and reinforce Data Science related research and topics at the University of Mannheim and beyond. To this end, we engage in activities and foster science communication by regularly informing our faculty as well as the public about new projects and progresses in the field of Data Science at the University of Mannheim.

Foto von Mitgliedern des MCDS, in einer Reihe sitzend

Credit: Katrin Glückler

About

Find out more about MCDS and its members.

Credit: Anna Logue

Education

Find out more about Data Science related programs and courses at the University of Mannheim

Foto eines Academic Speed Datings - Redner vorne, Zuhörer in Reihen sitzend

Credit: Frederic Hemler

Research

Get an overview of current research projects.

Geschäftsleute sitzen in einem Konferenzraum der Universität Mannheim an U-förmig gestellten Tischen, während ein Mann vorne eine Präsentation zeigt.

Credit: Katrin Glückler

Getting involved

We are looking forward to working with you!

News at the Mannheim Center for Data Science

Visual mit Infos zum Academic Speed Dating und leeren Stühlen im Hintergrund

Credit: Ricarda Link

Academic Speed Dating 2026

On Thursday, April 16, at 2 p.m., the next Academic Speed Dating at the University of Mannheim will bring together researchers for an afternoon of rapid exchange and interdisciplinary networking. Under the theme “Experiments and Causal Research with AI”, the event explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping experimental methods and causal analysis across disciplines. Join us for short research pitches, lively discussions, and new collaboration opportunities within the Mannheim data science community.

Visual zur Distinguished Lecture mit Informationen und einem Portrait der Lecturerin

Credit: Ricarda Link

Prof. Dr. Barbara Plank holds MCDS Distinguished Lecture in FSS 2026

Human-centered LLMs for Inclusive Language Technology: On March 12, 2026, Barbara Plank from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München joins the MCDS Distinguished Lecture Series to discuss inclusive, human-centered LLMs.

Eröffnung DataFest in Hörsaal, Foto von hinten

Credit: Alexander Münch

DataFest Germany 2026 at the University of Mannheim

Data, teamwork, and creative analysis: At DataFest Germany 2026 at the University of Mannheim, students from across Germany took on the challenge of uncovering insights from a complex Wikipedia dataset within just 48 hours.

Foto des gut-besuchten Reinforcement Learning Workshops in der Aula der Universität

Credit: Theo Vincent

Workshop on Reinforcement Learning 2026 at the University of Mannheim

The latest advances in Reinforcement Learning at the University of Mannheim’s workshop! The Mannheim Center for Data Science (MCDS) is pleased to support this event.

Foto des Academic Speed Dating mit gutgefüllten Stuhlreihen und einem Speaker vorne

Credit: Alexandra Müller

Academic speed dating in the fall semester of 2025: Exploring boundaries – Data science for information systems and society

On October 16, Academic Speed Dating in the fall semester of 2025 brought together around 40 participants for an inspiring afternoon of scientific exchange and interdisciplinary networking in rooms B6, 30–32 at the University of Mannheim. Under the theme “Exploring Frontiers: Data Science for ...

Credit: Katrin Glueckler

New Member for the Board of Directors: Prof. Dr. Florian Keusch, Professor of Social Data Science and Methodology at Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences

We are excited to welcome Professor Florian Keusch as a new member of the Board of Directors at the Mannheim Center for Data Science! Professor Keusch brings a wealth of expertise in Social Data Science and Methodology, holding a professorship in the Department of Sociology at the University of ...

Exploring Inequality in the Digital Age: MCDS Sponsors CSS Workshop on AI and Society

On May 15–16, 2025, the second Computational Social Science (CSS) Workshop took place at the Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES), bringing together an interdisciplinary group of scholars to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and social inequality.

Credit: Lea Oberländer

Lecture series Data Science in Action 2024: interdisciplinary and international

The lecture series on application areas of data science took place for the third time at the University of Mannheim. Once again, not only experts from Mannheim took part, but also researchers from international partner universities.

Visual zur Distinguished Lecture mit Informationen und einem Portrait des Lecturers

Credit: Lea Oberländer

Prof. Dr. Kosuke Imai holds Distinguished Lecture in spring 2025

The lecture series “MCDS Distinguished Lecture”, introduced in the Spring Semester 2024, continued on March 4 with a lecture by Prof. Kosuke Imai from Harvard University. As part of the MCDS Distinguished Lecture series, Prof. Imai delivered a talk entitled “Does AI Help Humans Make Better ...

Zu sehen ist eine Collage mit Fotos der Aktivitäten des Centers im Jahr 2024. In der Mitte steht die Jahreszahl 2024.

Credit: Lea Oberländer

Year in Review 2024 – A Remarkable Year for the Mannheim Center for Data Science

The year 2024 was marked by exciting events, inspiring lectures, and successful initiatives at the Mannheim Center for Data Science (MCDS). With a focus on advancing research, teaching, and networking in this crucial field, the MCDS reflects on a dynamic year characterized by engagement, innovation, ...

Margret Keuper steht vor der Leinwand während Ihres Vortrags.

Credit: Lea Oberländer

Academic Speed Dating in the fall semester 2024: Networking research across disciplines

The Academic Speed Dating in the fall semester 2024 brought together around 25 participants for an inspiring afternoon of networking, learning and collaboration at Mannheim Palace on November 7. The event was the latest edition of the popular series, which has become an integral part of the research ...

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