Alle afleveringen
29 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Derya Soydaner: The art of Artificial Intelligence
30 juni 2026 · 23 min
Assistant professor Derya Soydaner explores how AI and art collide, revealing why creativity, perception, and machine learning are far more intertwined than they seem. From testing whether large language models can recognize artistic styles to imagining a ‘museum buddy’ that guides visitors through galleries, this episode uncovers how technology might reshape the way we experience culture. Lees meer
Soydaner also dives into AI‑generated music, artistic authorship, and the tension between human struggle and machine‑made creativity. A thoughtful look at what we gain—and risk losing—as generative AI becomes part of our creative world.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Sebastian Fajardo Bernal: Ancient minds, modern machines
16 juni 2026 · 22 min
In this episode a surprising crossover between ancient archaeology and modern computer science. Anthropologist‑turned‑computer‑scientist Sebastian Fajardo Bernal reveals how early humans developed complex technologies like birch‑bark glue, and how their problem‑solving strategies mirror the logic behind today’s algorithms. It’s a fresh look at innovation through the lens of deep history. Lees meer
Sebastian also explains how models such as Petri nets help researchers understand technological evolution and even inspire new ways to teach AI systems to interact with the physical world. It shows how looking back thousands of years can spark new ideas for the technologies that will define our future.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Tom Kouwenhoven: Can AI ever truly understand us?
2 juni 2026 · 20 min
In this episode postdoc in Hybrid Intelligence Centre, Tom Kouwenhoven tells all about his research which focusses on how humans and machines learn to communicate. From chatbot misunderstandings to experiments where people and AI invent entirely new languages, Tom shows how collaboration can work even when both sides interpret information differently. Lees meer
The conversation also dives into visual intuition, like the Bouba–Kiki effect, and why shared human preferences matter when designing future AI systems. It provides an honest view of how far human–machine communication has come and the challenges that continue to shape its future.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Anna Dawid: From Tetris to quantum breakthroughs
19 mei 2026 · 23 min
Assistant-porfessor Anna Dawid outlines how quantum technologies are rapidly moving from theoretical science to practical innovation. She explains how the unusual behavior of quantum particles could lead to breakthroughs such as room temperature superconductors and advanced materials with major industrial impact. Lees meer
Anna also presents her Tetris CNN project, a transparent neural network approach designed to help scientists interpret complex quantum data rather than relying on opaque black box models. From clean simulations to noisy real-world experiments, she shows how machine learning is becoming a strategic tool for accelerating quantum research and driving future technological development.
Idea by Dimitra KouimtzidouResearch, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra KouimtzidouInterview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest
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Elena Raponi: What pizza can teach us about optimization
28 april 2026 · 23 min
Mathematician and optimization expert Elena Raponi takes us from car‑crash simulations to her teenage quest for the perfect pizza. Through her stories, she reveals how Bayesian thinking shapes the way we learn, explore, and refine our choices—whether we’re comparing pizza places or navigating complex engineering problems. Lees meer
The conversation dives into black‑box optimization, algorithm design, and the surprisingly human logic behind making choices—from selecting a Netflix series to engineering safer cars. The episode offers an accessible look at how optimization shapes everyday decisions and high‑stakes scientific challenges alike.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Mike Preuss: Beyond entertainment, the science of games
14 april 2026 · 18 min
Game AI expert Mike Preuss takes us from the world of Go‑playing algorithms to cutting‑edge chemistry. Hear how Monte Carlo Tree Search, the technique behind AlphaGo, helped enable the first fully automated method for chemical retrosynthesis—an achievement published in Nature. Lees meer
The Game Lab that Mike runs at LIACS improves game mechanics, collaborates across disciplines, and uses games for education, psychology, and even language learning. From smarter strategy units to serious games that train pilots, this episode shows why games—and game AI—matter far beyond entertainment.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Eleftheria Makri: Rethinking privacy in a data-driven world
31 maart 2026 · 20 min
In this episode, assistant professor Eleftheria Makri takes us from a classic 1980s cryptography puzzle to today’s urgent questions about data privacy, secure computation, and the looming impact of quantum computing. Through clear examples—from billionaire dinner bills to medical diagnostics—she shows how we can extract useful insights from data without ever exposing the data itself. Lees meer
Makri explains why privacy isn’t about secrecy but about control, and how secure computation can unlock collaboration in fields like healthcare and finance without exposing sensitive data. She also highlights the urgency of preparing for a post‑quantum world, where today’s encrypted information could become tomorrow’s open book.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Henning Basold: from biology to rockets, the science of systems
16 maart 2026 · 22 min
All systems are go! Assistant professor Henning Basold guides us through the fascinating world of systems—from the biological structures that make us who we are to the complex cyber‑physical systems behind rockets, trains, and self‑driving cars. Lees meer
How do category theory, logic, and formal verification help us understand, model, and secure the technologies we rely on every day. Why do systems fail? How can we prove they’re safe? And what does it take to describe the world mathematically? Tune in for a thought‑provoking journey into the hidden structures that shape the world around us.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Rita Pucci: Reading the stripes, AI meets wildlife
2 maart 2026 · 23 min
What’s the difference between a zebra and a zebrafish? Assistant professor Rita Pucci, who works at both LIACS and Naturalis, brings together biodiversity and computer science. She’s developing a model that can recognise unique skin patterns of individual animals within a herd: a breakthrough that could transform how wildlife is monitored. Lees meer
It could also reveal whether inbreeding is occurring—crucial information for species like zebras, where inbreeding can have devastating consequences. But before the model can reliably identify patterns in zebra coats, it first needs to learn how to generate patterns itself. And for that, it is trained on thousands of images of zebrafish.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Arno Knobbe: Engineering Gold, the science behind Dutch speed skating
16 februari 2026 · 21 min
How can data help speed skaters push past their limits? Associate Professor Arno Knobbe specializes in sports data science. His research dives deep into the tiny details that can decide the outcome of a race. How and where do speed skaters find tenths of seconds to beat their rivals? Lees meer
Arno's research helps olympic athletes study the 'corners' of the ice rink, where, as it turns out, every athlete needs a slightly different approach to glide through at top speed. And this isn’t just theory; his insights play a role at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
By collecting specific training data for each individual skater, Knobbe and his team can build the ultimate training schedule — one that ensures an athlete peaks at exactly the right moment: race day. And the impact goes far beyond elite sports. Even older adults wearing a smartwatch can benefit from the same principles, using data to better understand their health and daily activity.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Joost Broekens and Thomas Moerland: AI, revolution or bubble?
12 februari 2026 · 41 min
Associate Professor Joost Broekens and Assistant Professor Thomas Moerland explore the rapid rise of AI. Are we in the middle of a hype cycle, or is something truly transformative happening? And how do we keep these increasingly powerful systems safe? These questions—and more—drive this new CDB episode. Lees meer
AI brings huge advantages, but not without trade‑offs. Is today’s AI revolution comparable to the invention of the steam engine? Cultural evolution is accelerating as knowledge fuels more knowledge, while humans become the limiting factor. Yet AI still mirrors us, shaped by human ideas and behavior. And doesn't the Turing test feel a bit outdated now that distinguishing AI agents from humans is becoming harder than ever.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Evert van Nieuwenburg: Tiq Taq Toe, exploring quantum concepts through gameplay
6 mei 2025 · 23 min
What if a childhood game could unlock the mysteries of quantum mechanics? In this episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Evert van Nieuwenburg to explore how Tiq Taq Toe is revolutionizing the way we learn physics. Through interactive gameplay, this innovative tool makes abstract quantum concepts more intuitive and engaging. Lees meer
Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about learning through play, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a whole new way of thinking. Tune in and discover how simple moves can reveal the wonders of a complex universe.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Marco Spruit: Ai powered pets, a new indicator of elderly well-being?
22 april 2025 · 17 min
Can AI revolutionize elderly care? Professor Marco Spruit, an expert in translational data science, is developing Well-being AI—a smart pet robot that provides companionship while monitoring health through language markers. This technology could ease pressure on healthcare services by detecting early signs of decline and alerting caregivers. Lees meer
Beyond professional care, these intelligent robots could also support informal caregivers. Imagine a situation where one partner begins to suffer from dementia—this technology would allow the other partner to remotely monitor their well-being, offering peace of mind and timely intervention. This way AI can be the key to a more sustainable and compassionate future for elderly care?
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Anna Kononova: Lenses for chip manufacturing, unveiling the complexity of their design
8 april 2025 · 22 min
How can nature-inspired evolution help us create the perfect optical lens? Assistant Professor Anna Kononova explores this question in her research. High-tech industries, like computer chip manufacturers, require ultra-precise lenses to keep up with the demand for increasingly complex designs. Lees meer
Anna uses evolutionary computing, a technique that mimics natural selection. Just as nature evolves the fittest species, computers generate and test many lens designs, keeping the best and refining them over generations. This approach helps create cutting-edge technology with incredible precision.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Mitra Baratchi: Designing the perfect algorithm to understand the world
25 maart 2025 · 14 min
Ever wondered how algorithms make sense of complex problems? In this episode, we dive deep into the art of designing algorithms with associate professor Mitra Baratchi. Exploring how computers process data, find connections, and deliver insights. Lees meer
While algorithms can solve many challenges, there are limits to their accuracy. How can researchers identify these gaps and guide users toward the best solutions. How much should we rely on algorithms, and where does human expertise come in?
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Peter van der Putten: Tamagotchi, a precursor to today’s human loved home robots
11 maart 2025 · 20 min
How and why do humans form relationships with AI? This question lies at the core of Assistant Professor Peter van der Putten’s research. While AI sparks fear—raising concerns about its impact on our place in the universe—it also fascinates us, offering glimpses into an unknown future. Lees meer
But can we truly bond with AI? It’s one thing to feel attached to a humanoid robot or a robotic pet, but what about a simple wooden cube with a moving face? In his study Common Locus, Peter explored just that. The results might surprise you—and reveal more about human nature than you’d expect.
If you want to read more about the research project of Joost Mollen, Peter van der Putten, and Kate Darling: Bonding with a Couchsurfing Robot: The Impact of Common Locus on Human-Robot Bonding In-the-wild. ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction. 12, 1, Article 8, March 2023.
More information about Peter can be found here: https://liacs.leidenuniv.nl/~puttenpwhvander/
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Hao Wang: From Amsterdam to Paris, real-life applications of Pareto optimum
25 februari 2025 · 18 min
In this episode, LIACS Assistant Professor Hao Wang shares insights into multi-criteria optimization and the concept of the Pareto optimum. Discover how these powerful techniques, often used in decision-making and problem-solving, can help you plan the perfect trip. Lees meer
Whether you’re balancing cost, travel time, and comfort or choosing between destinations, learn how mathematical models can guide you toward the best possible choices. Tune in for a new episode that bridges research and real-life experiences.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Lu Cao: Hay Fever, how AI improves pollen monitoring
11 februari 2025 · 16 min
The hay fever season lasts longer than it used to because of climate change. LIACS Assistant Professor Lu Cao explains how machine learning and AI can help to easier count pollen in the air. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of pollen monitoring, a critical tool for understanding seasonal allergies, air quality, and climate impact. Lees meer
Discover how AI-driven technologies can improve the accuracy and efficiency of pollen monitoring, providing valuable insights for municipal governments. With better data, policymakers can adjust their strategies on public green spaces, balancing ecological benefits with the needs of residents affected by allergies.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Joost Broekens: Robots & Emotions, are we moving from AI to EI?
28 januari 2025 · 20 min
Can robots feel joy or guilt? Can they have emotions at all? Today, we dive into the fascinating world of "affective" computing with Associate Professor Joost Broekens, a leading expert in the field. But what exactly is affective computing? Lees meer
We also tackle the ethical challenges of AI-emotion interaction, exploring topics like the European AI Act, which bans emotion recognition in education and the workplace. Are these new technologies transforming artificial intelligence into emotional intelligence?
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Vedran Dunjko: Next level computing, exploring the world of quantum
2 juli 2024 · 23 min
Professor Vedran Dunjko leads the Applied Quantum Algorithms group at Leiden University. His research focuses on quantum computing, which uses quantum effects to greatly improve computation. This could lead to much more powerful computers. Developing a working quantum computer is an ongoing effort, bringing both exciting possibilities and potential security risks because of its superior computing abilities. Lees meer
Much of what a quantum computer can achieve remains a mystery, even to experts like Dunjko. Essentially, the quantum computer is a solution in search of a problem. Nonetheless, Dunjko is confident in its potential applications, particularly in the field of quantum physics.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Hazel Doughty: Video Understanding, a step towards the real world
18 juni 2024 · 18 min
Assistant Professor Hazel Doughty specializes in computer vision, aiming to enable computers to automatically understand visual content. Her research focuses on video understanding, where thousands of videos with text descriptions are fed to the computer. Her project, "From What to How," seeks to advance computers from identifying actions to understanding how they are performed, though this is currently limited by insufficient data. Lees meer
Ultimately, her goal is for computers to independently analyze videos and comprehend methods used in various tasks. This would allow for the creation of assistive videos for activities like for instance proper CPR techniques.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Jan van Rijn: Robustness, unveiling the black box of AI
4 juni 2024 · 16 min
Assistant Professor Jan van Rijn is at the forefront of research into the trustworthiness of AI systems. His work focuses on the field of machine learning, with a particular emphasis on exploring and enhancing the robustness of AI systems. Robustness is a critical component in building trustworthy machines, such as self-driving cars, where reliable performance is paramount. Lees meer
Jan and his team are dedicated to developing techniques that make verification models for testing robustness more efficient. However, significant challenges remain. One of the primary obstacles is the sheer size of current AI systems, like ChatGPT, which are too large to be efficiently verified using existing methods.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Tessa Verhoef: Robots, a way to better understand humans
20 mei 2024 · 18 min
Assistant Professor Tessa Verhoef has a passion for robotics and is dedicated to improving the human-likeness of robots, for instance by looking into their use of language. Lees meer
Her journey began with Kismet, a robot designed to convey emotions and engage in human-like interactions. While her expertise involves AI and robotics, she also delves into language evolution, exploring how languages form and transform over time.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Rob van Nieuwpoort: Efficient computing, a journey starting with a Commodore 64
6 mei 2024 · 18 min
Rob van Nieuwpoort is Professor of Efficient Computing and eScience at LIACS. His research focuses mainly on augmenting the efficiency of software and applications. But it also tackles the challenges posed by large-scale simulations housed within data centers. In this era where the demand for storage capacity skyrockets, reaching a point where accommodating all data becomes impossible. Lees meer
In the 1960s, Moore's Law predicted the doubling of transistors on a chip every 2 years. Our current times finds us confronted with the constraints of chip capacity. And that is a fundamental problem for the future. But fortunately, Rob Van Nieuwpoort sees solutions.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Joost Batenburg: detecting fingerprints with tomography (digital archaeology)
23 april 2024 · 15 min
Enter the realm of tomography, the work field of 'digital archaeologist' Professor Joost Batenburg. Tomography is a technique to peer into objects without taking them apart, akin to the familiar CT scan. Two-dimensional images are converted into three-dimensional images using algorithms. Lees meer
Now Professor Batenburg has created a portable device that goes around objects, capturing their insides. No longer constrained by size, this device unveils the unseen, revealing secrets within sculptures and artifacts. This provides art historians with a wealth of valuable information about the creation of these artworks.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Max van Duijn: using language as a window on the mind
9 april 2024 · 19 min
Assistant professor Max van Duijn combines cognitive science with Artificial Intelligence (AI). His research is on children’s stories and the question if they have a so-called Theory of Mind. This is the ability to understand the mental state of somebody else and use this information to explain and predict human behavior. Lees meer
But here's the twist: Max's research not only applies to the exploration of storytelling but also serves as a test for AI. With the data collection, he and his team investigate uncharted territory: Does AI possess a mind? Can entities like ChatGPT truly empathize?
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Niki van Stein: can explainable AI save lives?
26 maart 2024 · 15 min
Niki van Stein is assistant professor at LIACS. Her research focuses on explainable artificial intelligence (AI), with a specific focus on the maritime sector. At a time when modern marine vessels are evolving into complex supercomputers on water, AI plays a crucial role in efficiently managing maintenance tasks. Lees meer
However, the key to success lies in the ability of these AI systems to be understandable to both maintenance workers and crew on board. This is where Niki's research comes in: she aims to make AI accessible and understandable to everyone involved in ship maintenance.
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Suzan Verberne: the future of chatbots is human
12 maart 2024 · 15 min
Professor Suzan Verberne talks about her research on search engines and chatbots. She explains the difference between search engines such as Google, and large language models like ChatGPT. Lees meer
Furthermore, contrary to what many people think, Dutch as a language is much 'bigger' than you might expect. As a country we produce vast amounts of text. But will this help LLMs to adapt to local needs? Or do humans simply need to understand this technology better, in order to make full use of it?
Idea by Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Research, planning & coordination by Marcel Tichelaar & Dimitra Kouimtzidou
Interview, production & editing by Michiel van Poelgeest -
Introducing: Computers Don't Byte
4 maart 2024 · 2 min
Leading computer scientists from a variety of fields share their expertise and insights. Dive into the minds of these researchers and learn about real-world applications, the future of AI and related technologies and cutting-edge research. From chatbots to cybersecurity, from quantum to children's stories, each episode offers its own perspective on the changing landscape of computer science. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, our podcast offers knowledge and inspiration. Listen to these bright minds shaping the digital world. Lees meer
Content: LIACS (Leiden University)
Host: Michiel van Poelgeest
Produced by: Studio Onzichtbaar