Research summary
The development of state-of-the-art technologies has allowed researchers to collect large volumes of complex data about patients’ genes, medical histories, environments and lifestyles. But to make use of these data, advanced analytical tools are needed to integrate and analyze them. Artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine could provide these tools—and revolutionize health research.
Dr. Pingzhao Hu, Canada Research Chair in Computational Approaches to Health Research, is developing and applying robust and interpretable AI tools to integrate multimodal health data, such as omics data, imaging data, and administrative and electronic medical records. This will enable the discovery of the new disease subtypes, biomarkers and biotechnology-derived therapies needed to support the implementation of precision medicine approaches. Ultimately, Hu and his research team hope to translate their findings into improvements that enhance health care.