Towards a next generation of AI systems that we can understand and trust
NeXAI is a research cluster within the EEMCS faculty at the University of Twente, uniting top researchers from three groups: Human Media Interaction (HMI), Data Management and Biometrics (DMB), and Semantics, Cybersecurity & Services (SCS). This cluster acts as a hub for cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic education in the field of artificial intelligence. It supports joint research projects, an expert centre, and high-quality AI education, building on the complementary expertise of the participating groups.
About NeXAI
NeXAI combines foundational and applied research in artificial intelligence. The HMI group contributes deep knowledge in human-AI interaction, responsible design, and natural language processing, focusing on how people understand, trust, and communicate with intelligent systems. DMB contributes to computer vision, machine learning algorithms, and data engineering focusing on AI applications in health and forensic investigation., while SCS strengthens the cluster with work on semantic theories and technologies (including formal ontologies knowledge graphs), FAIR data management, ethical AI and trustworthy computing, explainability, (neurosymbolic) knowledge-based systems and the security of AI-enabled systems.
What we offer
NeXAI supports the development of innovative, safe, and societally beneficial AI. By combining the scientific excellence of its constituent groups with a strong educational foundation, it offers a unique environment for training the next generation of researchers and engineers while contributing to the university’s mission of responsible, high-impact technological development.
Our combined expertise is reflected in a diverse set of university courses that contribute to AI education at both bachelor and master levels. Examples include “Machine Learning,” which introduces students to core algorithms and their applications; “Foundations of Information Retrieval,” which covers intelligent indexing and search systems; “Natural Language Processing”, which explores how machines understand human language; “Responsible AI,” which examines ethical, legal, and societal aspects of intelligent systems; “Ontology-Driven Conceptual Modeling”, which teaches ontological foundations for data management (including data semantics and integration) and for information modeling. More technical offerings such as “Cybersecurity for AI” highlight the role of secure deployment in future-proof AI. Courses like “Human-Robot Interaction” and “Designing Intelligent Interaction” make it possible to explore AI not only as a technical system but also as a social actor that shapes human experience.
Crucially, NeXAI operates within a vibrant ecosystem of industrial and public-sector partners, working together on pressing AI questions. The cluster is embedded in national and international research programmes, including EU-funded projects. National collaborations include partnerships with TNO, Thales, Nedap, Philips, and regional health and education institutions, often facilitated through consortia such as NL AIC, Health@Twente, and AI Hub Oost-Nederland. These partnerships allow researchers and students to co-develop AI applications with societal stakeholders, from healthcare to education, and from public services to embedded technology.
NeXAI operates from a networked lab infrastructure including the DesignLab to study the impact of AI on society, the Interaction technology lab for human-centred AI, embedded AI lab for Ai related to computer vision and biometrics, Robotics centre for physical AI and IoT Cyberlab for trustworthy AI systems.
Teams
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