Cleveland Clinic and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have announced a new academic partnership focused on cutting-edge IT research and its clinical applications. This three-year opportunity is for early-stage researchers working at the intersection of quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine.
WHY IT MATTERS
Quantum sensing and AI-based analytics can improve diagnoses, increasing accuracy and reducing diagnostic times, according to a statement from the health system and the foundation on Monday.
Over the next three years, NNF will fund 12 researchers working at both organizations with up to $6.2 million for research related to diagnostics, drug discovery, personalized medicine, etc.
Dr. Lara Jehi, Cleveland Clinic’s chief research information officer, said in a statement that the research collaboration program is part of an effort to support future biomedical researchers who can harness data and technology to benefit patients and science.
“By combining our strengths, we aim to accelerate the transformation of quantum technology and artificial intelligence into clinical settings, driving a new era of medical innovation that leverages the strengths of both organizations,” she said.
Researchers will also be provided with internship opportunities at companies.
The health system and the foundation said in an announcement Monday that they will encourage researchers to consider three- to six-month internships with the company to gain hands-on experience and explore the process of developing a market-ready app.
While in Cleveland, the researchers will also have the opportunity to work with IBM researchers who are currently collaborating with the health system in the Discovery Accelerator program.
THE BIGGER TREND
Because building quantum computing algorithms can solve healthcare challenges, startups have partnered with Cleveland Clinic researchers and investigators through the Clinic’s Quantum Innovation Catalyst Program.
Likewise, health systems are now using AI to transform health care and improve health outcomes, creating a lot of excitement, said Dr. Carrie Nelson, chief medical officer at telemedicine technology and services company Amwell. Healthcare IT News last year.
Using AI poses risks, and the healthcare industry must strengthen data models “if AI is to reach its full potential in supporting healthcare workers in improving the quality of care,” she said. “More experience with AI-assisted care models will be needed to explore what is possible, what is not possible, and how to set appropriate barriers.”
ON PROFILE
“The collaboration between NNF and Cleveland Clinic is designed to enable the use of cutting-edge critical technologies, such as quantum technology and AI, in biomedical research and real-world clinical applications, ensuring these advanced technologies contribute to understanding disease and improving patient outcomes,” said Lene Oddershede, senior vice president and dean of natural sciences and engineering at NNF.
Andrea Fox is senior editor of Healthcare IT News.
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Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS Media.
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