New name for Methodology & Statistics: data science is getting more and more important
The department of Methodology & Statistics now has a new name: Methodology, Statistics & Data Science (MSDS) – or in Dutch: Methodologie, Statistiek & Data Science.
The department’s name change actually began with a name change for the two-year Master’s programme run bij MSDS. The old name of Methodology and Statistics for the Behavioural, Biomedical and Social Sciences (MSBBSS) was often tough for people to get right on their first try. However, that is not why the name is being changed.
More attention for data science
“The programme had used that name for around 20 years, but the name no longer really suited it,” explains Peter Lugtig, the department chair. “Data science has gradually become an increasingly important part of the programme, both in existing courses and in new courses that we’ve added as part of a recent curriculum review. That was what prompted us to take a critical look at the name.” Accordingly, the term “Data Science” is being included in the new name.
Coordinating with the professional field and alumni
The choice of the final programme name was preceded by a survey, explains programme coordinator Bella Struminskaya. “We asked our alumni and colleagues within the department to contribute their ideas. We then narrowed the suggestions down to five possible names. Bachelor’s students and organisations where our alumni work also contributed their ideas. These organisations include Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). We also had to investigate whether the name might cause confusion in relation to other statistics-related degree programmes. In the end, the choice fell on Methodology, Statistics and Data Science.”
A new department name
Of course, there is a much greater focus on data science not only in education, but also in research. In the wake of the new name for the Master’s programme, the department was therefore given a new name as well. It will be almost the same name as that of the Master’s programme, namely Methodology, Statistics & Data Science.
Help and advice
As well as conducting research and delivering teaching, MSDS staff assist researchers from other departments within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences by sharing their expertise with them. Not only in the fields of methodology and statistics, but also when it comes to data science and artificial intelligence, emphasises Peter Lugtig. “Examples include the use of machine learning, large language models and techniques such as web scraping. We want to showcase this, so that everyone knows we can also offer help and advice in those areas.”