In 2026, three major conferences on computational intelligence will convene in Maastricht simultaneously. The IEEE World Conference on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI) will be the world’s largest technical event in computer science, focusing on applications such as artificial intelligence. IEEE WCCI will be held at MECC Maastricht from June 21 to 26, 2026.
“When visiting the IEEE WCCI 2022 in Padua, my first trip after Corona, I told some colleagues that it felt so good to physically meet people again and that I would love to organise the conference in Maastricht. They kept reminding me of my remark until we won the bid to host the conference”, says Anna Wilbik, who will chair the IEEE WCCI 2026. She is professor in Data Fusion and Intelligent Interaction at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences at Maastricht University.
Technological developments
During the conference, about 1500 scientists from around the world will focus on the technology behind applications that are critical to our modern society, such as health care, energy management, and industry. The scientists will discuss topics on the explainability of artificial intelligence and large language models, as well as technological developments in neural-networks, evolutionary computing, and fuzzy systems. These are all topics needed to optimise and innovate techniques like artificial intelligence. The 2026 edition in Maastricht also features innovative new items, such as an industry day, bringing together industry and academics.
The biannual conference joins the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society’s three flagship conferences: the International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN), the IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems (FUZZ-IEEE), and the IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation.
Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS)
The scientific component of the IEEE WCCI 2026 will be organised by the Maastricht University Department of Advances Computing Sciences (DACS). Established in 1987, DACS is one of the oldest Dutch computing research departments. DACS offers two bachelor’s and two master’s programmes in areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and quantum computing. The department has over 100 researchers and PhD candidates, as well as over 1200 students. DACS is part of Maastricht University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Synergy through local collaboration
Hosting the IEEE WCCI in the city of Maastricht marks a significant event for both the city and the global computational intelligence community. Renowned as the birthplace of the European Union, Maastricht has evolved into a vibrant hub for international conferences, fostering innovation and diversity. The Maastricht Convention Bureau, in collaboration with the recently expanded MECC Maastricht, has played an essential role in positioning the city as a premier destination for international scientific conferences. These local Maastricht partners, together with DACS and the experienced congress organizer Klinkhamer Conferences & Events, have been closely cooperating in the bidding process for IEEE WCCI 2026. This collaborative effort is expected to ensure the 2026 IEEE WCCI is a resounding success. “We are especially pleased to have secured such a remarkable conference in the emerging sector of Data Science, in collaboration with the Maastricht University Faculty of Science and Engineering,” says Jurgen Moors, managing director of the Maastricht Convention Bureau. “Data science is crucial to our daily lives with developments advancing rapidly. The exchange of knowledge between peers, academia and industry is more important than ever. This conference brings tremendous added value to the continued development of this expertise and to our knowledge region as a whole.”
Picture from left to right:
Stephanie Cleven – Klinkhamer Group | Conferences & Events, Frank Mimpen – Commercial Director MECC Maastricht, Paul Grefen – Eindhoven University of Technology, Anna Wilbik – Maastricht University, Enrique Hortal Quesada – Maastricht University, Mark Winands – Maastricht University, Jurgen Moors – Maastricht Convention Bureau, Robbin Grouwels – Klinkhamer Group | Conferences & Events, Marcin Pietrasik – Maastricht University.
