Multidisciplinary collaboration in data-driven persuasive technology

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Waterloo and the University of Twente to establish an international, transatlantic data research network rooted in the combination of engineering and sciences with social and health sciences was signed at the Design Lab. 

The MOU was signed by Victor van der Chijs, president of the University of Twente’s Executive Board and Catherine Burns, Director of the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology (CBB) and professor in systems design engineering.

Combining Waterloo strengths in engineering, health, and computer science, with University of Twente’s expertise in social sciences, this will be one of the largest international teams assembled to work together in data-driven persuasive technology. Both institutions have a strong track record in applying research in persuasive technology, cognitive ergonomics, sensors and automation, and data science technology including big data, data analytics, and the Internet-of-things, within healthcare. To date, over 20 researchers have committed to be part of this collaboration.

The partnership builds upon an existing foundation of strong and productive interactions between Waterloo and Twente. Professor Lisette van Gemert-Pijnen, head of the Centre for eHealth & Wellbeing Research also holds an adjunct appointment at the University of Waterloo to collaborate on usability of interface design. Along with Olga Kulyk, assistant professor in Persuasive Health Technology at Twente, they have worked closely with Catherine Burns of CBB.

An International Research Partnership - EU Grant (IRPG) was created between Waterloo’s CBB and the University of Twente  in November 2015 to further strengthen this international collaboration and pursue data-driven persuasive technology.

As part of this MOU, two joint workshops will be held in 2016-2017, beginning with the June 6-9, 2016 Data-driven Persuasive Technology for Smart & Healthy Society workshop at the University of Twente. The focus of these workshops will be to further strengthen the international research collaboration to develop research proposals and build strategic activities. For more information about future workshops please contact Krystina Bednarowski, CBB Assistant, kbednarowski@uwaterloo.ca 519-888-4567 ext 32732.