By Mila Puljiz Listeš
Today, Split has become a major hub for discussions on the future of medicine. The international symposium "AI-Powered Medicine: From Discovery to Impact" officially opened at the Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences (MedILS), bringing together leading global scientists, physicians, and representatives from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and technology industries. Over the course of the three-day event, latest advancements in artificial intelligence regarding drug development and improving of healthcare will be presented.
Until July 3, Split will host 16 internationally renowned speakers from Canada, the United States, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates, along with some 150 participants from academia, the healthcare and industry.
AI transforming medicine
In his opening remarks, the Organizing Committee Chairman, prof. Igor Štagljar, pointed out that as artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we develop drugs and treat patients, the symposium aims to connect Croatian scientists and physicians with leading global experts.
"We brought experts to Split from the world's most prestigious universities, hospitals, and companies—such as Roche, Pfizer, Novartis, Genentech, Insilico Medicine, and EMBL. I believe this symposium will open doors to new international collaborations, research projects and opportunities for young Croatian scientists, physicians, and students, further positioning Split on the global map of medicine and biomedical innovation. Medicine of the future will be faster, more precise and more effective," Štagljar stated.
Distinguished speakers include Jonathan Chernoff, world-leading scientist who devoted his career to cancer research. Discussing the impact of artificial intelligence on biomedical research, he noted that, to date, no technology has so rapidly transformed the way scientists and physicians work.
"Artificial intelligence is truly revolutionary and it is up to us to work together to find best ways to harness its full potential, improve treatment and quality of life for our patients," Chernoff said.
The symposium is taking place with the support of City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, University of Split, Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the Croatian Oncology Society, Embassy of Canada to Republic of Croatia, as well as numerous international partners and leading global companies in fields of biomedicine, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence.
Photo: Duje Klarić/Cropix
