The University of Navarra and BBVA are launching the first industry-focused doctoral programs in data science data develop more reliable and transparent AI

The University of Navarra and BBVA have awarded the first two industrial doctorates in data science through their joint program, a pioneering initiative that enables working professionals to conduct research on real-world problems in the financial sector.

The thesis Paloma Marín and Jesús Renero, data scientists data BBVA, has focused on one of the major challenges currently facing artificial intelligence: developing systems capable of understanding the causes behind certain effects, beyond simply detecting patterns and correlations in the data. This advancement is core topic improving financial processes that affect people, such as loan approval and management .

The program, co-directed by the Institute of data Science data Artificial Intelligence (DATAI) at the University of Navarra and BBVA, highlights the value of hybrid profiles capable of combining scientific rigor, knowledge , and internship application. This approach the transfer of research advances research business world and society.

Both thesis the goal of moving toward AI that is more transparent, robust, and useful for decision-making. Unlike traditional models, which identify correlations, these studies seek to explain why things happen, enabling users to make more informed, reliable, and understandable decisions.

Specifically, research examines how to improve decision-making in complex financial markets using models that identify the factors driving outcomes. For his part, Renero has developed a new explainable AI method, called ReX, that enables the discovery of cause-and-effect relationships from data helps understand how each decision is reached—a core topic regulated environments.

Progress toward improving people's lives

“This program reflects how we view data science data BBVA—not just as a technical capability, but as a tool making better financial decisions. Partnering with DATAI at the University of Navarra to support industrial PhD programs allows us to connect talent, research internship application internship advance toward more reliable artificial intelligence,” explained Javier Marín, manager agreement industrial agreement at BBVA.

According to Jesús López Fidalgo, director DATAI, “this milestone reflects the essence of the mission statement , which is based on the pursuit of truth through knowledge and excellent knowledge in the service of society. These doctoral programs drive advances in data science data AI that push the boundaries of knowledge translate into concrete solutions to improve people’s lives.”

Currently, the program includes 10 additional doctoral students from Spain, Argentina, and Peru, working across six different areas at BBVA, which underscores its cross-functional and international nature. The initiative is part of the partnership between BBVA and the University of Navarra, established in 2020 to promote training research data science data artificial intelligence. The agreement specialization programs specialization bank employees, such as the Master's Degree in Big Data Science or the data Scientist Certification; applied research on the ethical, technical, and regulatory challenges of AI, such as the project Learning project ; and a Senior Management Program in Generative AI that has already trained more than 150 leaders from the financial institution in the strategic use of these technologies.