Inspired by biology for medicine
Development and application of artificial intelligence techniques within the project 'Medical imaging using bio-inspired and soft computing' (MIBISOC) have led to 32 journal publications. MIBISOC trained 16 early-stage researchers (ESRs) for 36 months in 8 world-class research groups. The training network balanced the expertise of universities, hospitals and companies, including two small and medium-sized enterprises. The ESRs gained knowledge and experience leading to development of soft computing and bio-inspired computing techniques to solve medical imaging problems. Soft computing harnesses the power of computers and exploits it in a way that is robust to the nuances of biological systems (or other imprecise and complex systems). A similar field is bio-inspired computing, using algorithms modelled after non-traditional solutions found in nature to solve complex problems with inherent imprecision and uncertainty. ESRs also received invaluable practical training in areas such as project management, intellectual property rights, and uses in hospitals and companies. Medical imaging used in research has enhanced understanding of a wealth of human diseases. Its application in hospitals has become instrumental in diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and their progression or response to treatment. Thirteen of the 16 newly trained ESRs received their PhDs through the MIBISOC training network. They are now in an excellent position to provide cutting-edge medical imaging solutions for the benefit of European citizens and the European health care system.
Keywords
Medical imaging, artificial intelligence, soft computing, bio-inspired computing, human diseases, health care
