CorrelAid Netherlands is a non-profit organization that connects data scientists with organizations that do good. We have a network of over 300 data scientists in the Netherlands and over 1500 abroad that are eager to volunteer their time and expertise to help non-profits with their data challenges. We started in 2018 as the Dutch chapter of CorrelAid. In 2020, Andrew, Fabian, and Yiran officially founded the Stichting CorrelAid Nederland.
Our core activity is to engage in 3-6 month long projects where a team of our data scientists works with an organization pro bono. We have completed a number of projects successfully since our inception. and have also organized events such as hackathons and meetups.
Our goals are three-fold:
1. To create impact by working with non-profit organizations, utilizing the power of data and data science to further their societal contribution. We are providing a high-quality volunteer data science workforce and aim to become a well-known part of the Dutch non-profit ecosystem.
2. To empower the non-profit sector to work with their own data. Systematically relying on skilled volunteers for data challenges is not sustainable. The projects give organizations a taste of what is possible with data and give us an opportunity to facilitate the continuation of the organization’s data journey after the project is done.
3. To create a diverse community of data scientists in the Netherlands who want to use their skills to advance the social good. We want to create a platform where collaborations can emerge organically, and where our volunteers can learn from each other and help each other.
Are you an NGO that is interested in what we have to offer? Then head over here and get in touch! Are you a data scientist interested in applying your skills and joining our community? Then head over here and have a chat with us!
Mehrzad received his Masters in Artificial Intelligence back in the time when AI was not that common in The Netherlands.
As part of the first groups of students who did a full AI study in the Netherlands, he joined the early adopters of AI
and took the challenge of bringing practical AI to the endeavors of everyday life. He has currently taken the challenge of
bringing the power of collaboration to the scientific world by building digital solutions based on AI and Data Science.
Mehrzad joined CorrelAid with the goal of making this blue planet a better place for everyone, helping NGOs harness the power of Data
and Data Science. With a strong passion for collaboration and people, Mehrzad's everyday reminder is: Live, Love, Explore,
and challenge your excuses everyday!
Contact: mehrzad@correlaid.nl, .
Alexis got involved with CorrelAid as way to put his existing data (science) and management skills to a positive use.
He originally moved to the Netherlands for a PhD in Probability Theory and has since had a somewhat nomadic career encompassing energy,
finance, management, consulting and, of course, data science. He is particularly keen on evidence-based decision making and
how the right perspective and information can reduce complex problems to straightforward ones.
Contact: alexis@correlaid.nl, .
Maria got involved with CorrelAid because she wants to make a meaningful impact with her data skills.
She discovered her love for unraveling hidden details in data during her career as a Physicist,
which has equipped her with the unique ability to approach complex problems with a scientific mindset.
In her day job, she works in the role of Data Scientist,
who is specialised in both traditional machine learning and generative AI techniques.
Contact: mariabader@correlaid.nl, .
Paulina got inspired to join CorrelAid after attending a presentation at PyData,
as she wanted to do more with data beyond her 9-to-5 job.
She has a background in Econometrics and has since worked as both a Data Analyst and Data Engineer.
Currently, she works at Quatt, a company focused on sustainable home energy solutions.
Paulina enjoys making data simple and understandable for everyone
and believes that simplicity is key for companies working with data.
As part of the CorrelAid core team,
she helps scope new projects and has also taken on the role of Project Manager for several initiatives.
Contact: paulina@correlaid.nl, .
Her professional journey has been shaped by a deep interest in understanding human behavior through data,
identifying business opportunities.
She enjoys translating complex information into clear, meaningful insights
that support better decision-making and sustainable growth.
She believes in human potential
and in how each person can use their talents for collective benefit, cooperation, and meaningful impact.
She is dedicated to nurturing growth, collaboration, and purpose-driven work within the data community.
Contact: juliana@correlaid.nl, .
Winnie has been with CorrelAid as a volunteer for approximately 2 years.
After her Masters in financial econometrics she’s had a somewhat rocky journey but her love for data,
models and analyses has always been a constant.
As a lover of all things data, programming and tech and wanting to contribute to a better world,
she tried to find an opportunity to help others using a quantitative approach.
Sharing her love for data and tech, correlaid seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Winnie is currently working on integration of Salesforce and helping Anastasiia
and Alexis with blog posts for our website and the structure of our website.
Having met wonderful people who are inclusive and kind during her time at CorrelAid,
Winnie cannot encourage people enough to join CorrelAid and hope many more people will sign up.
Contact: winnie@correlaid.nl.
Daniela completed a Master’s degree in Social Research in Italy
and currently works as a data analyst in the financial sector
where she translates complex data into actionable insights.
At CorrelAid, she focuses on NPO engagement and project scoping, ensuring that collaborations lead to tangible results.
For her, CorrelAid represents the intersection of analytical expertise and purpose:
using data to empower organisations and contribute to a better society.
Contact: daniela@correlaid.nl, .
Vladimir moved to the Netherlands more than ten years ago to build his career in the energy industry.
Since then, he has worked across 3D software, data science, product management, and consulting.
He enjoys working where technology meets real-world problems.
Much of his experience is about turning raw sensor data into visual models and then into clear business decisions.
He likes thinking end-to-end — from how data is captured to how it creates value for the user.
What drives him most is seeing how the right product can simplify a complex situation
and help people take confident action.
Contact: vlad@correlaid.nl, .
During his masters in Neuroscience, Andrew started up an NGO and tried to build an orphanage in Kenya.
Two years in,
he failed and vowed to build up his skillset and network to try to do good again once he had more experience.
He has since then worked as a data scientist at Capgemini, United Wardrobe,
and Utelly, specializing in NLP, Search, and Recommendation Systems.
After seeing how much more impact we can have with data,
he’s switched from building orphanages to building models for good.
You can hear Andrew's story and learn about the type of work we do at CorrelAid Nederland
here.
Contact: andrew@correlaid.nl, .
Fabian is a postdoctoral researcher at SEVEN, the interdisciplinary climate institute of the University of Amsterdam.
His research lies at the intersection of behavioural science, sustainability, and statistics.
During his PhD, he worked on Bayesian hypothesis testing, causal inference from observational data,
and early warning signals of tipping points.
Fabian was a Data Science for the Social Good Fellow in 2022
and co-organises the annual Amsterdam Complexity School on Climate Change.
You can hear Fabian's story
and how CorrelAid Nederland got started here.
For more information, visit fabiandablander.com.
Contact: fabian@correlaid.nl, Website, , .