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AI Training Program at ASU Aims to Revolutionize Alzheimer's Research

• By John K. Waters
• 12/11/2024

Arizona State University (ASU) is launching a new doctoral training program developed to harness the power of AI to combat Alzheimer's disease, addressing a critical need for specialized researchers at the intersection of technology and healthcare.

The $2.35 million initiative, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will recruit its first cohort of PhD students in spring 2025, ASU says, bringing together experts from engineering, molecular sciences, and medical research to develop cutting-edge AI tools for neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and treatment.

Led by professors Teresa Wu and Baoxin Li from ASU's School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, the program—dubbed "Intergenerational Community Driven Training in Alzheimer's Disease Research: An AI+X Approach"—will focus on preparing a new generation of researchers capable of leveraging artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes.

"Artificial intelligence will continue to revolutionize health care, changing and improving the way we approach the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including Alzheimer's," said Li, in a statement.

The interdisciplinary training program distinguishes itself through unique partnerships with local research institutions like Mayo Clinic, Banner Alzheimer's Institute, and a senior living community on the ASU campus. Students will gain hands-on experience by developing AI tools that address real-world medical challenges.

Collaborating principal investigators Judith Klein-Seetharaman and Ramon Velazquez emphasize the program's potential to create innovative solutions. "We are thrilled to recruit competitive students and immerse them in research activities that can improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's," Velazquez said in a statement.

As healthcare continues to embrace technological innovations, this program represents a strategic investment in addressing one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time. By training researchers who can bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and medical research, ASU is positioning itself at the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research.

The initiative underscores a growing trend in medical education: preparing professionals who can effectively integrate advanced technologies into healthcare solutions.