Previous Events

Highway to Health – ENVISION final event: Pioneering the future of AI and digital healthcare

The Data Science Group Frankfurt, in collaboration with the EU projects COVend and ENVISION, co-organised the transformative “Highway to Health – ENVISION final event” with a focus on the integration of artificial intelligence into digital healthcare. This event, which took place on 24 January 2023, brought together experts from various fields to shape the future of healthcare.

A gathering of minds

Among the high-profile guests at the event was Kai Zacharowski, Director of the Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy at Frankfurt University Hospital and one of the main participants in the EU ENVISION project. He was joined by Edoardo De Robertis, Director of the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Perugia, Italy, and President of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (ESAIC), Dagmar Lüttel from Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit e.V. (APS), Theresa Barry from eHealth Ireland and Chair of the SNOMED International Members’ Forum, Alpo Värri, Research Director at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University Finland, as well as other renowned experts who are committed to medical innovation.

Fostering scientific discussions and advocating for a better tomorrow

In panel discussions moderated by Kai Zacharowski and Markus Ketomäki, participants explored the potential of AI to revolutionise healthcare, address the challenges and seize the opportunities it presents. The dialogue focused on improving patient safety, combating future health threats and incorporating digital healthcare in line with the FAIR principles.

Key topics included the integration of AI into diagnostic procedures, exploring how machine learning algorithms can help in the early detection of disease and improve the accuracy of diagnosis. The focus was on the importance of data quality and the need for standardised, harmonised medical data in order to use these AI systems effectively. Another important point of discussion was the topic of equity and fairness in healthcare. Experts examined how digital tools can close gaps in access to healthcare and ensure high-quality care for different population groups. They discussed how AI can be used responsibly to avoid bias and ensure fair treatment for all patients, regardless of their gender and background.

The discussions covered the area of pandemic preparedness, highlighting the role of AI in modelling and predicting outbreak patterns, contributing to rapid and effective response strategies. The need for international cooperation in data sharing and harmonisation of healthcare data standards to facilitate global health initiatives was also discussed. Further discussions addressed the ethical implications of AI in healthcare, including patient privacy, consent and the evolving role of clinicians in an increasingly digital landscape. The event fostered a collaborative environment where technology experts, healthcare professionals and policy makers could focus their efforts towards a common goal: improving healthcare through digital innovation.

The scientific discussions were not just theoretical, but based on a shared vision of transforming healthcare with the help of AI, making it more predictive, personalised and patient-centric. Our aim was to emphasise the importance of these elements in shaping a healthcare system that is not only technologically advanced, but also in terms of its ethics and approach to patient care.

Looking Ahead

The “Highway to Health” event was a step towards a future where data and AI not only co-exist with healthcare, but enhance it. We at the Data Science Group Frankfurt will continue to organise and participate in such ground-breaking events to lead the way in the development of predictive, personalised and patient-centric healthcare. Join us on this journey as we explore the possibilities and challenges of AI in healthcare.

Highway2Health Cluster & Policy Event

Shaping the Future of Pandemic Preparedness and Healthcare Innovation

The Data Science Group Frankfurt, in collaboration with the EU projects COVend and ENVISION, was a proud co-organiser of the “Highway to Health Cluster & Policy Event”. This important event, which took place on 4 July 2023 at the Representation of the State of Hesse to the EU in Brussels, Belgium, brought together over 50 stakeholders, including policy makers, health authorities, clinicians and researchers.

High-calibre speakers and thought leaders

The event began with an opening speech by Kai Zacharowski, who addressed the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Axel Wintermeyer, Minister of the State of Hesse, emphasised the need for stable supply chains, access to health data and a robust crisis infrastructure. Representatives of the European Commission presented various initiatives and funding opportunities for health research, innovation and pandemic preparedness.

Fostering Dialogue for Pandemic Preparedness

Panel discussions took centre stage at the event. The first discussion on EU initiatives on pandemic preparedness was moderated by Jeanette Müller from Accelopment Switzerland. The panellists, including Ulla Närhi, Patricia Urban-Lopez and Andreas Holtel from the European Commission, discussed the EU’s role in coordinating threat surveillance, developing pandemic response measures and funding innovation. The focus was on the need for robust preparedness, cooperation between Member States and maintaining research networks that can be activated quickly in the event of a health crisis. Another highlight was the panel discussion moderated by Kai Zacharowski on improving the connectivity of healthcare infrastructure and networks between clinicians and policy makers in the EU. The panellists, including Cristian Silviu Busoi, Member of the European Parliament, and Alexandru Rogobete, Secretary of State at the Romanian Ministry of Health, as well as Cathy Weynants, Executive Director of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC), emphasised the importance of increased investment in healthcare systems, digital infrastructure, research capacity and the empowerment of healthcare professionals.

Key Takeaways and Future Directions

During the networking session at the Highway2Health Cluster & Policy Event, participants engaged in fruitful discussions on improving coordination between EU institutions and national health authorities. This dialogue was crucial for the development of strategies to respond more effectively to health emergencies, such as pandemics. These goals should be achieved through joint planning, harmonisation of legislation and the establishment of fast, centralised decision-making structures that enable rapid, joint action in times of pandemics and crises.

One of the key strategies discussed was the establishment of clear protocols and channels for the exchange of public health information and intelligence. This would require more streamlined cooperation between the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), national health authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO). In addition, the creation of a common EU pandemic early warning and surveillance system that integrates data sources from all Member States was urged. This system would act as a crucial early detection mechanism for pandemic surveillance. In addition, the event highlighted the importance of establishing a coordinated EU stockpile of medical countermeasures and relief supplies. This initiative would include comprehensive deployment plans to ensure timely delivery to affected areas. Another important recommendation was the development of evidence-based EU guidelines for the clinical management of emerging infectious diseases, which Member States could adapt to their specific circumstances. The discussions highlighted the increasing need for capacity and interoperability in cross-border genome sequencing in the context of precision medicine or for pathogen analyses in wastewater. This improvement is crucial for the rapid detection and treatment of emerging disease variants. The harmonisation of procedures for the approval of clinical trials in the Member States was recognised as an important step towards accelerating the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

The use of digital tools and platforms for real-time information sharing, surveillance, resource allocation and crisis communication was recognised as a critical component of an effective response strategy. The Highway2Health Cluster & Policy Event was not only a platform for discussion, but also a commitment to action, which was supported by us in the Data Science Group Frankfurt. It formed the basis for future collaborations and emphasised the importance of integrating expertise, technology and policy to improve pandemic preparedness and healthcare in the EU and beyond.

International conferences

At the Data Science Group Frankfurt, our team members actively participate in high profile conferences such as Euroanaesthesia and the Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation (ELSO and EuroELSO) conferences and meetings. This participation is a crucial aspect of our commitment to keeping up to date with the latest professional developments and engaging with the international research and medical community. By attending these conferences, our members not only gain access to the latest scientific knowledge, but also contribute to a broader dialogue. They present posters, share research findings and participate in discussions as speakers, fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise that is essential to advancing our work and maintaining our position at the forefront of medical data science. This ongoing interaction with global experts and peers ensures that we stay at the cutting edge and make a meaningful contribution to the evolving landscape of healthcare research and innovation.

To stay updated on our conference visits and the valuable insights we gather, follow us and be part of our journey in shaping the future of medical data science.

Euroanaesthesia

The Data Science Group Frankfurt is committed to advancing healthcare through data-driven research and innovation. Our participation in high-calibre conferences such as Euroanaesthesia is proof of our commitment. At Euroanaesthesia, the largest annual anaesthesia event in Europe, our team gains insights into the latest developments in the field. From the latest anaesthesia techniques to the evolving landscape of patient safety and critical care, this conference provides us with an invaluable platform to share knowledge and network with leading experts. By attending, we ensure that we remain at the forefront of medical data science and continually incorporate the latest findings into our work.

Follow us on LinkedIn for further details of our conference activities and visit euroanaesthia.org and esaic.org for more information.

ELSO and EuroELSO conferences

At the Data Science Group Frankfurt, we are at the forefront of advances in the field of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapies. Our active participation in conferences organised by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) and its European branch, EuroELSO, is an important part of our dedication. These conferences provide an exceptional platform to learn, share knowledge and exchange ideas with global experts in the field. ELSO and EuroELSO are committed to advancing extracorporeal life support through innovation, education, research and collaboration. By participating in these events, we gain valuable insight into the latest developments and contribute to the global conversation on improving patient outcomes in critical care. Follow us to keep up to date with our activities and learnings from these conferences and visit elso.org and euroelso.net for more information.