HealthyAI

The research at the HEALTHY-AI Lab aims to develop trustworthy, robust artificial intelligence (AI) technology for use in healthcare, with a primary focus on assisting with prostate cancer diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and exploring the ethical challenges of achieving trustworthy AI. HEALTHY-AI Lab is a collaboration between Radboud UMC, Siemens Healhtineers, UMC Groningen, and the University of Twente.

Vacancies

What is the HealthyAI Lab about?

Recent breakthroughs in Artificial intelligence (AI) allow its use as an assistive technology in healthcare. However, the adoption of AI is stalling partly because of a lack of trust among clinicians and patients. HEALTHY-AI is about developing trustworthy, robust AI, with a primary application to a prostate cancer diagnosis with MRI. Prostate cancer strikes as many as 1 in 9 men. Recent developments in prostate MRI make non-invasive detection feasible. This avoids biopsies and allows for earlier detection at a more curable stage. However, the rapidly increasing workload and high level of expertise are a huge concern. AI can exploit MRI to its full potential to maximize the impact on quality of care, reduce healthcare costs, and reallocate time from routine decision-making to human-centric care.

Sustainable Development Goals

The HEALTHY-AI Lab is a part of the ROBUST program, which focuses on creating trustworthy AI-based systems for sustainable growth. The lab aims to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 3.8, by increasing the cost-effectiveness of healthcare services and improving access to quality essential healthcare services, through developing AI-enabled workflow solutions. In the specific case of prostate MRI, the lab aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies through the use of AI-aided diagnosis. This can not only improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs but also contribute to reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

In addition, the HEALTHY-AI Lab also supports Sustainable Development Goal 9, Target 9.5. Specifically, by developing and implementing AI solutions in the field of medical imaging, the HEALTHY-AI Lab drives innovation and helps to modernize and improve the infrastructure of healthcare systems. This can lead to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery and support the development of industries related to medical technology and AI. The use of AI-steered acquisition strategies and an AI quality management system can also improve the quality of healthcare services and reduce costs associated with medical imaging.

SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation

Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

Staff

Partners

Development, testing, and validation will mostly be performed by members of the radiology departments of the Radboud University Medical Center and University Medical Center Groningen. Siemens Healthineers will have the leading role in implementing the final products.