Data science and AI transform decisions across industries, yet the field lacks diversity among those impacted by its models. In the US, women earned 37% of computer science bachelor’s degrees in the mid-1980s, dropping to 18-20% by the mid-2010s—a trend still limiting data careers in 2026, where women hold just 20-24% of roles globally.The DSCNext Conference in Amsterdam counters this through its Women in Data Science spotlights. Building on 2025’s success, the May 7-8, 2026, event at Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport Hotel turns recognition into progress.
Amsterdam’s AI Ecosystem: Powered by Women
Amsterdam’s emergence as an AI powerhouse owes much to organizations like Women in AI Benelux (WAI Benelux), headquartered here with initiatives spanning leadership summits, mentorship programs, and inclusive events across the Benelux region—supporting gatherings like DSCNext. Their Women in AI Netherlands Awards have recognized trailblazers whose work directly aligns with DSCNext themes.
Women Trailblazers
These innovators exemplify the leadership DSCNext Amsterdam aims to spotlight, demonstrating how AI can drive responsible technology and sustainable impact across industries.
Anastasia Kuskova (AI Impact Maker – Women in AI Netherlands Awards 2024)
Co-founder and CEO of beSirius, Kuskova is pioneering AI-driven ESG analytics for energy and mining sectors. Her platform automates complex sustainability reporting, reducing manual processes by 70–80% while delivering transparent, data-driven insights for hard-to-abate industries—an approach that strongly aligns with DSCNext’s enterprise analytics discussions.
Noelle Cicilia (Leadership in Responsible AI)
Cicilia champions human-centric AI governance, focusing on fairness, transparency, and bias mitigation. Her work complements DSCNext’s ethical AI panels, ensuring data technologies prioritize societal good alongside innovation.
Kaja Zupanc (Women in Technology & Data Awards 2025)
A Data Science Professional of the Year at Duco, Zupanc has developed machine-learning models that automate financial reconciliation with up to 90% error reduction. Her focus on “ethical foresight” in AI vendor tools resonates with conference workshops focused on building production-ready and trustworthy AI systems.
DSCNext’s Forward Momentum
The DSCNext Conference 2026 continues to strengthen the AI and data ecosystem by connecting research, industry innovation, and responsible technology development.
Academia-Industry Bridge
By bringing together researchers and practitioners, DSCNext helps translate academic insights—such as those emerging from Women in Data Science Maastricht—into practical, real-world applications across sectors.
Mentorship Pipeline
Keynotes, panel discussions, and technical workshops led by experienced data leaders provide mentorship opportunities and visible role models for emerging data scientists
Ethical Standards
A strong focus on responsible AI encourages dialogue around algorithmic bias, transparency, and the ethical deployment of data-driven technologies.
Looking Ahead
Join May 7-8, 2026, for expanded tracks in healthcare, fintech, cybersecurity, and sustainability; featuring women in Data Science spotlights to cerebrate trailblazers driving AI innovation. Register now at dscnextconference.com
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