New Sustainable Computing specialization brings together expertise from PS, DACS and CAES

New Sustainable Computing specialization brings together expertise from PS, DACS and CAES

A new specialization track, Sustainable Computing (SusCo), will be introduced within the University of Twente’s Computer Science Master’s programme in the 2026–2027 academic year. The specialization brings together expertise from the Pervasive Systems (PS), Design and Analysis of Communication Systems (DACS), and Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems (CAES) groups.

The new track is driven by Özlem Durmaz-Incel (PS), Geert Heijenk (DACS), and Ana-Lucia Varbanescu (CAES) and responds to the growing need for computing systems and networks that are both efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, large-scale data processing, and communication networks are creating increasing demands for energy and computational resources. At the same time, computing can play an important role in addressing sustainability challenges, for example through smart energy systems, intelligent transportation, climate analysis, and environmental monitoring.

The Sustainable Computing specialization addresses both sides of this challenge. Students will learn how to design computing and networking systems with a lower environmental footprint, while also exploring how computing technologies can contribute to sustainability challenges in society.

The programme covers sustainability across the full computing stack, including hardware, software, data, and communication networks. Topics include energy-efficient hardware and software, heterogeneous and distributed computing systems, emerging computing paradigms, sustainable networks, green AI, smart green cities, and climate-related applications.

Students will also learn how to assess the environmental impact of digital systems and how to improve these systems using evidence-based design and evaluation methods. By combining expertise across computing, networking, and applications, SusCo aims to prepare a new generation of engineers to develop efficient, responsible, and sustainable ICT solutions.

The launch of SusCo also strengthens the role of systems and networking education within the Computer Science Master’s programme and creates new opportunities for collaboration across PS, DACS, and CAES.

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