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Establishing a new network and a secure research environment for artificial intelligence in medicine: Researchers from Saxony are pursuing this important goal over the next three years. The "KIMed - Network for Artificial Intelligence" project is being led by Leipzig University, Dresden University of Technology and Mittweida University of Applied Sciences and is being funded by the Free State of Saxony and the European Regional Development Fund with 3.6 million euros.
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are rapidly penetrating medicine. They open up new possibilities for diagnostics, therapy and research. With powerful algorithms for image analysis, speech processing and biosignal diagnostics, medical data can be used efficiently. At the same time, the use of AI in medicine requires secure and trustworthy data infrastructures in order to process sensitive information in compliance with data protection regulations.
Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow says: ,,AI-based applications are already revolutionizing diagnostics, personalized therapy and prevention. We are currently seeing how algorithms are detecting diseases earlier in imaging procedures or developing individualized treatment strategies. But any AI is only as good as the wealth of data it accesses. The KI-Med network wants to achieve more together, across institutions, and build a unique and secure research data infrastructure that will be available for all conceivable medical applications in the future and open up even better treatment options with the help of AI."
The new "KIMed network" will bring together data-providing institutions, technical partners and users, such as clinical researchers, in order to further strengthen medical and scientific activities in Saxony in the field of artificial intelligence. by pooling expertise and resources, the aim is to create a strong infrastructure for AI applications in medicine that offers members of the new network knowledge exchange, advice and further training. Developments in this field are so rapid that we need joint solutions," says Ingo Bechmann, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Leipzig University.
Protected research environment for data security
As part of the project, a concept for a "secure research environment" (Secure Processing Environment) is being developed that meets the highest standards of data protection and data security. the research environment is intended to create a trustworthy space for AI-supported research projects with sensitive health data. In the long term, this can lead to more efficient patient care and better quality of treatment," says Matthias Nüchter, KIMed project manager from the Faculty of Medicine.
In addition, a directory of relevant network partners, medical data sources, algorithms and AI tools is being set up to facilitate access to important resources. Large data sets from existing research projects are networked and prepared for the training of powerful AI models. The design of use cases will show ways in which AI algorithms can be used in the protected environment.
In addition to the Saxon research institutions, KIMed will also include the university hospitals in Leipzig and Dresden, regional healthcare providers and partners from the IT industry. It is one of seven projects selected as part of the SMWK’s ERDF/JTF funding in the "Research networks at public scientific institutions" call.
