Artificial intelligence, human–machine interaction, interactive simulations, and modeling using 3D printing and scanning are among the topics linking medicine with digitalization. “The key question is how people can make proper use of the data generated and processed by artificial intelligence,” says Prof. Dr. Dieter Fellner, Director of Fraunhofer IGD. “For years, our institute has been using methods and techniques from machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze and evaluate vital and health data as well as disease-related patient data.”

The development and application of modern technologies play a crucial role in medicine in order to improve patient care and provide state-of-the-art training for future physicians. During the workshop, various approaches—some still at the research stage and others already in application—were presented. These included intelligent implants and concepts used in musculoskeletal research. Plasma technology as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of skin cancer was also examined in depth. Particularly impressive was the explanation of so-called live cell imaging for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases. In this process, cells are examined using time-lapse microscopy to gain a better understanding of biological functions.

Research at Rostock University Medical Center has long benefited from its close proximity to other faculties of the University of Rostock and additional non-university research institutions in the region. This enables interdisciplinary cutting-edge research with a focus on “HealthTech Medicine.”