_{What happens when Data Science & Society (DSS) students set out on a “technology safari” across Friesland? A day full of discovery, innovation, and inspiration! Students from all years of the programme explored the facilities and met representatives from four forward-thinking companies pushing the boundaries of technology and data-driven solutions. mIn this blog post, our student assistants Dani, Ellie, and Freark share what they saw, learned, and enjoyed most during this inspiring trip. Read on to join them on their safari and see innovation in action!}

To start off, what was the DSS Safari about?

The DSS Safari was a one-day class trip where we, second-year students, had the opportunity to learn how four different companies based in Fryslân apply data science in their work.

Our first stop was in Bolsward, where we attended a presentation and factory tour at Ventura Systems, a company specializing in the production of bus doors. We also received a presentation from SRON, which demonstrated how data science is applied in the field of earth observation. Next, we traveled to Drachten, where we visited Philips and learned how data science is used to optimize their production processes. We also had the chance to see their in-house manufacturing of their iconic shavers. The last part of the trip was a presentation from PerkinElmer, focusing on how they use data science to analyse the components and quality of dairy products.

What stood out to you most during the Safari?

1. Dani:

What stood out to me most during the Safari was how often the importance of continuous improvement and optimization for companies was emphasized. During Ventura and Philips’s presentations, it was explained that in order for them to stay ahead of their competitors, it is essential to constantly enhance their products and production processes. One key way they achieve this is by implementing machine learning algorithms and developing data-driven models. This made us see how data scientists play a crucial role in helping companies maintain their competitive edge and remain at the forefront of innovation.

2. Ellie:

What stood out to me most was how different the focus areas of the companies were, yet how each of them contributes to development and innovation in their own way. At Philips, they aimed at helping personal needs through feedback, which made a really good impression on how much they care about their customers. While at Ventura, their focus was on building and creating efficient products (bus doors). SRON, on the other hand, dealt with scientific exploration, space research and understanding the atmosphere through the use of data. And finally, PerkinElmer’s work was really focused on laboratory processes to test their dietary products. Seeing all of these companies’ perspectives showed me how broad our world can be. 

3. Freark:

Most people think of Fryslân as primarily being an agricultural province. However, the Safari has shown me just how much innovation and manufacturing is happening here and the global impact it has. From advanced manufacturing processes to the production and use of extremely precise sensor equipment, Fryslân does it all. This became especially clear when looking at specific companies. For example, Ventura Systems manufactures custom bus components that are used across the globe. While Philips produces many of their shavers exclusively in Drachten and ships them worldwide.

❝This made us see how data scientists play a crucial role in helping companies maintain their competitive edge and remain at the forefront of innovation.❞

How did the visit connect to what you are learning in the Data Science & Society programme?

1. Dani:

In class, we often work on applying different machine learning models to various scenarios and learning how to interpret their results. During the Safari, it was interesting to see how companies use the same algorithms in real-life situations and rely on their outcomes to improve their products. This experience helped us put what we learn in class into perspective, showing how our skills could directly contribute to real-world innovation. It was also interesting to see that these companies face some of the same challenges we do. For example, at Ventura, while developing a new algorithm, they are still working on finding the right balance between false positives and false negatives, a problem we have also often encountered in class.

2. Ellie:

In our programme, we learn about data ethics, visualisations and data-driven decision-making. So far, we have only used all of this in theory, so it was interesting to see how it is applied in the real world through the companies and how they utilize different techniques of analysing and working with data.

3. Freark:

The Safari showed me ways in which companies apply data science in practice. I had the pleasure of speaking with an employee at Ventura Systems, who explained to me how he uses data to optimize the manufacturing process. He also shared some of the hurdles he encountered, some of which we have studied in class. This helped me better understand how the theory we learn translates into solving actual business challenges.

What did you take away from the experience?

1. Dani:

One key takeaway from the Safari was learning that most of the companies we visited are open to offering internships and encourage students to reach out if interested in potential opportunities. I also appreciated that we had the chance to ask about the most important skills a data scientist needs to make a meaningful impact within a company. Hearing their perspectives gave me valuable insight into the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.

2. Ellie:

What I took away from the Safari is that there is no single path of work in our field of study. It doesn’t matter whether you want to work in healthcare or manufacturing, it is possible to be part of any area of your choice, which made me feel safe as I have the freedom to explore different companies. Additionally, the experience made everything that I am studying feel more real and connected to actual careers. It was an insightful day that gave me the confidence that there’s a place where my skills and interests can fit.

3. Freark:

My takeaway from the Safari is that building an impactful and rewarding career is something that is also possible close to home. It has made me enthusiastic to apply my data science skills in manufacturing. As a result, I am currently discussing a possible internship with one of the companies we visited.

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