The AI2MED project “Artificial Intelligence in Medical Care: Reducing Errors and Saving Lives”, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine across Europe, developed under the Erasmus+ Programme and managed by the European Commission and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), launched its activities at the kick-off meeting hosted by Algebra University in Zagreb, Croatia on 05-06 March 2024.
The project consortium consists of 11 organisations including universities, VET providers, enterprises, industry and sector representative organisations, and a research institute from 7 European countries.
The potential applications of AI in healthcare are extensive and far-reaching. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing clinical decision-making processes, the implementation of AI has the capacity to make healthcare systems more intelligent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of millions of patients worldwide.
However, to realize the full potential of AI in healthcare, it is essential to address the skills gap that exists within the sector. Approximately 14 million healthcare professionals across the European Union require greater awareness of the promises and pitfalls of AI to build trust in AI-powered solutions. Additionally, data scientists responsible for training algorithms for medical purposes often lack sectoral specialization, underscoring the need for targeted training initiatives.
In response to these challenges, AI2MED has emerged as an alliance comprising highly motivated Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers, enterprises, and research institutions from across Europe. By fostering cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration, AI2MED aims to co-create teaching and training courses focused on equipping medical and data science experts with AI-in-MED related skills.
Central to the AI2MED initiative is the establishment of Incubation labs, dedicated spaces where stakeholders from academia, industry, and healthcare can converge to spark innovation using the latest technological tools. By placing healthcare workers at the forefront of AI innovation in medicine, AI2MED seeks to make healthcare more accurate, efficient, and accessible to all.
As the AI2MED project takes its first steps, Algebra University, together with the project partners, reaffirms its commitment to driving forward the integration of technology and healthcare, paving the way for a future where AI transforms the delivery of care and improves patient outcomes.
Project partners: Algebra University (AUC – Project coordinator, Croatia), Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB, Germany), Universita Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA, Italy), Kelyon (KEY, Italy), Institute Jožef Štefan (IJS, Slovenia), Bird Consulting (BIRD, Austria), Griffith College (GC, Ireland), Lean Startup Croatia (LSC, Croatia), University of Montenegro (UoM, Montenegro), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI, Ireland), University of Pavia (UNIPV, Italy)