On 17 July 2023, a press conference was held to launch the project “Lublin Digital Union – The use of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in medicine – a research project”. The initiative is being implemented by three universities affiliated with the Lublin Digital Union – the Medical University, the Lublin University of Technology and the University of Life Sciences. The Ministry of Education and Science has allocated PLN 25 million to the project.
“We want to harness the potential of Lublin’s universities, in particular the Lublin University of Technology and the University of Life Sciences, so that their IT potential in terms of future technologies can be used for medical purposes,” says Minister of Education and Science Przemysław Czarnek. The Ministry of Education and Science has allocated PLN 25 million to support the activities of the Lublin Digital Union. These funds will enable the development of the potential of Lublin’s universities and their presence on the European stage.
“Lublin Digital Union – The use of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in medicine – a research project” is a concept aimed at developing a theoretical model for conducting scientific research using artificial intelligence and modern technologies.
The project will be based on:
- Establishment of a system for monitoring the progression of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) depending on the mutation causing the disease, using neural networks (both retinal structures and visual organ function) in 200 patients with different types of RP inheritance in the Polish population.
- Conducting ophthalmological screening tests among 5,000 schoolchildren in forms I-VIII of primary schools in the Lublin Province by implementing solutions developed during the pilot programme (screening tests and educational activities).
- Development of a universal telemedicine system and digital tools for conducting screening tests among 500 students, using the student population of the Lublin University of Technology as an example.
- Conducting screening tests for corneal diseases in 1,000 high school students and young adults.
Prof. Krzysztof Kowalczyk, Rector of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, says: “Our University will conduct genomic research as part of the project, which will expand the database used by artificial intelligence. “Artificial intelligence needs certain data, and we will provide this data by studying approximately 180 people,” he assures. In his opinion, the project will contribute to the development of other research, and he pointed to the use of artificial intelligence in agricultural production as an example.
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The Lublin Digital Union was established in autumn 2021 with the aim of developing innovative solutions in areas such as medicine, transport, the natural environment and sustainable development across our entire region. Its members include: Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, University of Life Sciences, Lublin University of Technology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin and Medical University of Lublin. In April, the Medical University of Lviv also declared its accession to the union.
photo: Medical University of Lublin