TU Dresden University of Technology: Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health

The Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health (TUD-EKFZ) is a joint center for interdisciplinary research in the field of digital health. It is a collaborative effort between the Technische Universität Dresden, the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, and several Fraunhofer and Helmholtz Institutes. By bringing together the expertise of medical professionals and high-tech specialists, the EKFZ provides a unique platform for bridging the gap between medical big data and traditional biomedical engineering. The center is structured to provide both strategic development and scientific infrastructure, with a focus on the direct interface between the digital world and the patient.

The Clinical Artificial Intelligence Research Group plays a critical role in the EKFZ’s mission to accelerate the digitalization of medicine. We are a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of scientists who are dedicated to using computational methods, including AI and computational modelling, to extract actionable knowledge from routine clinical data. Our primary area of expertise is precision oncology for solid tumours, including immunotherapy. Our expertise in predicting clinically actionable tumour characteristics from histopathology slides has established us as world leaders in the field.

We take a clinical perspective on health and disease and are committed to advancing the field of precision oncology. Our team of experts use cutting-edge AI and computational modelling techniques to uncover new insights from clinical data and push the boundaries of precision oncology. Our goal is to translate these insights into practical and meaningful outcomes for patients. We understand that the integration of cutting-edge technology with medical expertise is critical to making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of patients. As such, we are dedicated to continuing our work to develop new and innovative solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. By bringing together our expertise in computational methods and clinical knowledge, we aim to drive meaningful progress in the field and make a positive impact on patient care.

Role in the project

In ODELIA, TUD acts as one of the scientific coordintors of the project. TUD plays a crucial role in the project by building the swarm learning network through the consortium and developing the necessary software. Our goal is to provide an open-source variant of swarm learning, making it accessible to a wider audience. Our group brings a wealth of expertise to the project, particularly in network building and software development. Our team has a proven track record of success in these areas and we are confident in our ability to contribute significantly to the project.

 

Jakob Nikolas Kather

Prof Dr Jakob Nikolas Kather, MSc, is a physician and scientist who holds a full professorship at the Technical University of Dresden in Germany. He is based at the Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health and also has affiliations with the NCT Heidelberg and the University of Leeds in the UK. With a focus on the use of AI in medicine, Jakob’s research is primarily focused on precision oncology. He is well respected in the scientific community, regularly reviewing articles and serving as an editorial board member for Immunoinformatics, as well as an associate editor for npj Precision Oncology and the AACR’s Cancer Research Communications.

Together with Dr Daniel Truhn from UKA, Prof Dr. Kather acts as the scientific coordinator of ODELIA.

 

Oliver Lester Saldanha

Oliver Lester Saldanha, MSc, is a highly dedicated and skilled research scientist currently completing his PhD in the Kather lab. He is focused on developing cutting-edge AI-based biomarkers for a variety of cancer types by constructing complex multi-input multi-output models. In addition to his research, Oliver also plays a key role in coordinating the swarm learning initiatives within the Kather Lab. With his expertise and drive, Oliver is poised to make significant contributions to the field of precision oncology.

 

JieFu Zhu

JieFu Zhu, MSc, is a talented and experienced research software engineer who joined the Kather Lab in 2022. Holding a Master’s degree from the Technical University of Berlin and University of Rennes, with a major in Cloud Network Infrastructure, JieFu brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the lab. Throughout his education and internships, he honed his skills in computer vision applications, project maintenance, and java web application development. At the Kather Lab, JieFu is dedicated to contributing to and enhancing the Deep Learning software pipelines, leveraging his technical prowess to drive innovation and progress in the field of AI-powered precision oncology.