Who We Are
Stellenbosch University's School for Data Science and Computational Thinking is a premier interdisciplinary hub for teaching and research. We bridge the gap between AI, data science, and computational methods to boost Africa's technical readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Developing Future Skills
We offer a comprehensive range of educational opportunities, from undergraduate degrees to PhDs, alongside industry-aligned bootcamps and short courses in cutting-edge fields like Generative AI. By integrating data skills across diverse faculties—including health, finance, and the humanities—we ensure that data science is accessible and applicable to all disciplines.
Real-World Impact
The School emphasizes practical application through strong partnerships with industry leaders and government bodies. Our research positions the School as a leader in African data-driven innovation, focusing on critical areas including responsible AI, genomics, and data policy.
Our Vision
Vision
To be a world-class institution for data science and computational thinking in and for Africa.
Mandate
To serve as the University’s central hub for data-driven innovation, tasked with bridging the gap between technical capability and domain-specific knowledge. The School is responsible for accelerating digital transformation within the institution and translating academic research into tangible solutions for public and private sector partners.
Core Objectives
Transdisciplinary Research
Breaking down academic silos to connect researchers across all ten faculties, ensuring data science is a shared competency rather than a specialized niche.
Societal Impact
Moving beyond theory to application by partnering with government and industry to solve shared challenges, specifically within the African context.
Future-Proofing Education
Equipping students and academics with the agile thinking and ethical frameworks required to navigate the rapid expansion of AI and Big Data.
Our History
OriginsEstablishment & Purpose The School was established to provide a university-wide platform for advancing data science across all ten faculties. Created as a "game-changer" to bring together academics, government, and industry. | 🌱 | |
| 🚀 | GrowthBuilding Impact We built significant impact through initiatives like CERI and the Policy Innovation Lab. Our researchers have contributed to globally recognised scientific achievements. | |
2025A New Home In April 2025, we officially opened our new home in the JC Smuts building. A space designed for connection, serving as the “data science HQ” of the University. | 🏛️ | |
| 🔭 | The FutureLooking Forward Today, the School continues to expand its teaching and partnerships in support of Stellenbosch University’s vision of becoming a top 100 global institution. |
What we do
Teaching & Learning
We offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and short course programmes that equip students with practical and theoretical skills in data science and computational thinking. Our teaching spans multiple faculties and prepares graduates for data-driven careers across industries.
Interdisciplinary Research
The School conducts high-impact research across health, agriculture, finance, AI, modelling, policy and computational sciences. Our researchers work on real-world challenges with relevance to South Africa and the broader African continent.
Strategic Partnerships
We collaborate with local and international universities, government institutions and industry partners to tackle complex societal problems and drive innovation through data.
Societal Impact
We apply data science and computational thinking to improve decision-making, support evidence-based policy, and contribute to sustainable development in Africa. Our work aims to translate research into meaningful real-world impact.