About

Who are we?

IDLab is a research group of imec, embedded in Ghent University (departments IBCN & DSLab) & University of Antwerp, performing fundamental & applied research on internet technology & data science. IDLab has world-leading expertise in the entire data value chain, from data acquisition, enrichment, storage, representation, to mining and learning from data, visualization & valorization. The KNowledge on Web Scale team (KNoWS) focuses on integrating and publishing various datasets on the Web.

The KNowledge on Web Scale (KNoWS) research unit crosses two groups within IDLab, i.e. DSLab & IBCN. KNoWS is led by prof. Pieter Colpaert, dr. Beatriz Esteves, Prof. Femke Ongenae, Prof. Ruben Taelman and dr. Ben De Meester. KNoWS has a long-standing track record in Semantic Web research. KnoWS covers the full data management ecosystem to generate Linked Data (e.g RML), publish these using a Web API (e.g. LDF), enable feedback (e.g. Solid), and query the data while performing reasoning (e.g. N3, MASSIF, Roxi & Comunica). KNoWS is a world top-3 Semantic Web research lab, invaluable to the Solid project as they spearhead – together with MIT & Sir Tim Berners-Lee – in Solid protocols and Solid-related technical research. IDLab has a history of participating in W3C standards, e.g. Media Fragments, PROV, LDES, Solid, N3 & Linked Data Platform.

KNoWS has a vibrant team of researchers and students who contribute to advancing the state of the art in Semantic Web technologies. See our list of publications.

Teams

The KNowledge on Web Scale (KNoWS) group of IDLab is an experienced team of creative researchers in advanced data technologies. Our mission involves enabling optimal flows of public and protected data between different parties, and our ultimate goal is for data to impact people’s lives positively in ways they choose themselves.

Expertise and technologies

We apply the following expertise and technologies to data problems within and across multiple domains:

  • We apply Linked Data and Semantic Web technologies (RDF, RDFS, OWL…) to model complex federated and decentralized scenarios, in which data never resides in a single place.
  • We design, implement, and evaluate reasoning (N3, OWL, ...) & processing algorithms (federated AI, aggregations, ...) on static datasets as well as data streams, in order to validate and draw conclusions from semantic Linked Data, and for detection and reaction to time-critical insights at scale.
  • We design, implement, and evaluate Web APIs (HTTP, protocols, REST, ...) for the exchange of structured data, both at a theoretical–conceptual level and a practical level.
  • We design, implement, and evaluate scalable query algorithms (SPARQL, GraphQL, RSP-QL, ...) for structured data in decentralized environments.
  • We design, implement, and evaluate synchronization, replication, and summarization algorithms for large-scale distributed data ecosystems.
  • We transform and enrich data (RML, FnO) to bridge gaps between heterogeneous systems and data architectures.
  • We design, implement, and evaluate data usage control and policy algorithms (ODRL, DPV), bridging between the technological and legal domains.
  • We develop standards-based solutions for personal data vaults (Solid) and associated specifications for authentication (OIDC) and authorization (UMA).

Focus domains

In addition to domain-agnostic data technologies, we have an extensive portfolio of applied research and development in domains such as:

  • Preventive healthcare & homecare
  • Transport and mobility
  • Logistics
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Water reuse
  • E-government
  • Supply chain
  • Data governance
  • Building management
  • Media
  • Industry 4.0 / 5.0
  • ...

Standardization

We contribute to and follow the standards our research builds on, in particular RDF 1.2 and SPARQL 1.2, data shapes (SHACL), Linked Web Storage (LWS), TREE and Linked Data Event Streams, RDF stream processing, and data spaces. See our community and working groups.

Activities and services

  • Fundamental, strategic, and applied research
  • Contract-based research with academic and industrial partners
  • Scientific consultancy for industrial and governmental partners
  • Specification and standardization (W3C, SEMIC, IETF…)

Work with us

Our world-class team features renowned experts, who collectively represent in-depth knowledge spanning over 500 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Want to work or collaborate with us? Contact our general contact point Pieter Colpaert, or see our contact page for our other research leads.