The Master for Smart Data Science Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

The Master’s in Smart Data Science has been built thanks to the dedication of those who run it day in and day out. Here, three members of the team share their reflections on these past ten years alongside the “Smarties.”

“The master for Smart Data science program is a demanding course in data science. Our students come from all over the world, and each contributes their own culture, background, and perspective, thereby enriching the collective experience of the program.
For the past four years, I have had the privilege of leading this master’s program. It is a fulfilling responsibility, notably thanks to the students’ human and intellectual qualities. Supporting these talents throughout their journey is both a stimulating and rewarding mission.“

François Portier, head of the Master for Smart Data Science since 2022

“I’ve been in charge of this master’s program since its creation but I don’t know the meaning of the word “routine”! The program is always evolving to stay as closely aligned as possible with the latest research advances in data science, market demands, and student needs. The cultural diversity of the students is a rich source of learning and makes each year unique. I regularly contact our alumni, and they always respond with the same enthusiasm because this master’s program marked a turning point in their careers—and for some, in their lives. It’s the greatest recognition we could receive, and I’m very proud of it.“

Cécile Terrien, program coordinator since 2015

“Having contributed to the founding of this master’s program ten years ago and continuing to teach in it today remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my career as an academic. I have had the privilege of meeting students from very different backgrounds, yet all driven by the same curiosity, the same high standards, and the same determination to succeed. Their commitment, their responsiveness, the relevance of their questions and the quality of exchanges with each class have brought me great satisfaction and the feeling of being enriched myself.”

Valentin Patilea, head of the Master for Smart Data Science from 2015 to 2022

Key Dates for the Master for Smart Data Science

From its inception to the present day, several milestones have marked the program’s evolution. Here is a look back at the key moments that have shaped it.

April 2014: ENSAI received approval from the Ministry of Higher Education and Research to launch the “Master of Science in Big Data.”
September 2015: The first class of students enrolled.
September 2017: The Master’s program is renamed the MSc in Statistics for Smart Data and undergoes a curriculum overhaul to adapt to major scientific advancements in data processing.
March 2023: The Master’s program enters the top 5 of the Eduniversal Ranking of the best Master’s programs in Big Data & Data Science.
September 2023: The program is now called the Master’s in Smart Data Science.
September 2025: The 10th cohort of the Master’s program is welcomed at ENSAI.
March 2026: The Master’s in Smart Data Science ranks 4th in the Eduniversal Ranking of the best Master’s programs in Big Data & Data Science.
2026: ENSAI celebrates its 30th anniversary, and the Master for Smart Data Science marks the 10th anniversary of its first graduating class.

The Master for Smart Data Science by the Numbers

The history of the Master’s in Smart Data Science is, of course, also reflected in the numbers. Here are a few figures that highlight the program’s unique features.

Since 2015, the Master for Smart Data Science has welcomed:

>> 124 students

>> from 29 countries across 4 continents (Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe)

>> 83 academic and/or professional speakers

>> 54 “Smart Data Projects” designed to enable students to apply the knowledge gained in class and to familiarize them with project management.

The Master's partners

The connection to the professional world is at the heart of the program. These partner organizations have helped ground the Master’s in Smart Data Science in the realities of data challenges through real-world projects and internships.

These companies, public organizations, and research laboratories have proposed and overseen “Smart Data Projects” over the past decade

and also Cofely Ineo GDF Suez, Datastorm, Enedis, Engie Ineo, Laboratoire de psychologie cognitive, Aix Marseille Université, Safran, Sonio, Total Energies, Younited…

Partner organizations that have hosted Master’s students for their final internships

and also Airbus, BNP Paribas, CEA Saclay, Crédit Mutuel Arkea, CREST, EDF Lab, Enedis, Intrasipa Ouest France, Keyrus, Laboratoire LEME, Lufthansa, Marine Nationale, Orange, SNCF, Viva Credit, Groupe Rocher…

Our alumni

The Master’s in Smart Data Science thrives on its internationally diverse and close-knit cohorts. Here are photos of the “Smarties” who have shaped these past ten years of a shared journey.