The research group Networks, Data, and Society (NERDS), founded in 2019, is researching network and data science applications to social systems at ITU Copenhagen, Data Science Section. NERDS consists of interdisciplinary researchers who focus on quantitative projects at the boundary of network science, data science, AI, and computational social science. We are Research Environment of the Year 2022.
Research
https://pure.itu.dk/portal/en/organisations/networks-data-and-society/publications/
NERDS culture
Wellbeing
Before founding NERDS, we have experienced our fair share of hyper-competitive, abusive academic environments, vowing to not recreate yet another place like that at NERDS. Indeed, we won the prize Research Environment of the Year 2022 by following guidelines: https://nerds.itu.dk/2022/06/02/nerds-is-research-environment-of-the-year-2022/
In short, we are a group of tolerant, scientifically curious professionals who strive for openness, psychological safety, avoiding hierarchies, to create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome who respects others. Our tolerance does not extend to exploitative or abusive behavior that comes with “big egos”. We are aware of our shortcomings, for example gender diversity, and aim to improve continuously.
Weekly group meetings
We hold weekly group meetings on Wednesdays 12:00-13:30, where we have lunch together, socialize, invite guests to present, or give talks ourselves to each other. To spur scientific exchange within and outside the group, usually each one of us gives a short talk once a year. Each visitor also gives a talk during their stay.
Yearly retreats
In 2026 we started the tradition of a yearly retreat, to deepen our social ties, to learn more about each other, and to discuss what works well or what does not work so well at NERDS.
Our network, expertise, and funders
Our team brings data/network science expertise from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, United Nations, Cornell University, Nokia Bell Labs, Northeastern University. We are well connected on an international level to, for example, MIT, Harvard, United Nations, Cornell University, Northeastern University, University of Chicago, ISI Foundation, Complexity Science Hub. We are well connected on a national level to, for example, DTU, KU (SODAS), Aarhus University, Dansk Kyst- og Naturturisme. Our funders include VILLUM Foundation, Carlsberg Foundation, Danish Ministry of Transport, European Commission, CHANSE, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Innovation Fund Denmark.
Contact & social media
Email: misz@itu.dk (Michael Szell, current group representative)
Office: 4F11 (DR P4), Kaj Munks Vej 9, 2300 København
IT University of Copenhagen, Rued Langgaards Vej 7, 2300 København
Mastodon: https://datasci.social/@nerdsitu
Github: https://github.com/NERDSITU
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nerdsitu.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerdsitu/
Logo
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Extended Bio
The research group Networks, Data, and Society (NERDS), founded in 2019, is researching network and data science applications to social systems at ITU Copenhagen, Data Science Section. NERDS consists of interdisciplinary researchers who focus on quantitative projects at the boundary of network science, data science, AI, and computational social science, including science of science, social networks and dynamics, multiplex networks, science of success, urban sustainability, human mobility, data visualization, and fundamental questions in complex systems. We are Research Environment of the Year 2022.
The NERDS group is a down-to-earth place where we care about wellbeing. Copenhagen is often named as the best city in the world to live in, and for good reasons. It’s world-renowned for food, beer, art, music, architecture, the Scandinavian “hygge”, and much more. In Denmark, parental leave is generous, and childcare is excellent and affordable.