Neurological disorders are now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and the number of cases is increasing rapidly. The disease represents a major challenge for those affected, caregivers, loved ones and society as a whole. Despite decades of scientific efforts, there is still no cure and diagnoses are often only made in advanced stages of the disease. Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) methods and digital technologies offer new opportunities to improve early and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. These techniques could contribute to better personalized treatment of the disease in the future. For example, AI-based analysis of voice recordings – which is already the subject of active research – shows great potential to provide early insights into typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Vocal biomarkers are only one of the axes of the new Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network, Artificial Intelligence in Parkinson’s Disease (AIPD)which was officially launched in Bonn on Friday, November 22, 2024. Starting in October 2025, 14 doctoral students will work on groundbreaking methods to improve early detection and treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease. The network offers an interdisciplinary, cross-industry, and international training program designed to prepare participants to become the next generation of successful data scientists in the rapidly growing field of medical AI applications.
“The use of artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities to make faster and more accurate diagnoses and to develop personalized treatment strategies,” emphasized Professor Holger Fröhlich, head of the AI & Data Science working group at the Fraunhofer SCAI and project coordinator. during the AIPD launch event. “Our doctoral students will be the data scientists of tomorrow, driving change in medicine through AI and digital innovation.” A unique feature of the program is its emphasis on the reliability of AI solutions. To this end, the program includes dedicated research questions and training on the ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of AI applications in medicine.
The AIPD network brings together leading academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies and medical technology companies across Europe. In addition to the Fraunhofer SCAI, leading academic partners include the Universities of Bonn, Luxembourg, Namur and Pisa, the Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, the Luxembourg Institute of Health and the University of Medicine and Sciences of Health RCSI Ireland. Key industry partners such as Novo Nordisk, GE Healthcare, petanux, ki:elements and the Center Hospitalier de Luxembourg also play a leading role. Extended research stays with industrial partners provide unique interdisciplinary training that bridges academic and industrial perspectives.
Applications for the network’s 14 doctoral positions are now open. Interested master’s graduates can apply for a range of exciting research projects in the field of AI-based Parkinson’s research. As with all Marie Skłodowska-Curie networks, the mobility rule applies: candidates can only apply for positions in countries where they have not resided or carried out their main activity for more than 12 months during 36 months preceding the date of recruitment. The application deadline is February 28, 2025. Detailed information on the application process and a complete overview of all available positions can be found on the official website of the AIPD network.