About the Project

The CZS Initiative for Model-Based AI (MBAI) aims at combining modern machine learning methods with mathematical models to develop processes that can be applied in the highly relevant field of cancer research. The Carl Zeiss Foundation (CZS) is funding the project “Model-Based AI: Physical Models and Deep Learning for Imaging and Cancer Treatment” under the program “CZS Durchbrüche” over a period of six years. 

An interdisciplinary team from the departments of computer science, mathematics, physics and medicine are analyzing various issues in AI research, including the reliability of learning data, object recognition and the quality of data storage and evaluation. The resulting processes will not only be highly effective and reliable, but also energy-efficient and compliant with data privacy laws.

The researchers in the CZS Initiative for Model-Based AI start by implementing existing knowledge from large data sets using methods from model-based deep learning. This is intended to train neuronal networks for information processing such that problems can be solved as quickly and precisely as possible. To achieve this goal, the experts examine a variety of issues from artificial intelligence research with regard to reliability of learning data, effectiveness of object recognition, and the quality of data storage and analysis, among other things of central significance is combining mathematical models and modern machine learning processes.

With “green IT” as their motto, the researchers intend to design their numerical techniques to consume as little energy as possible not only during analysis but also during their adaptation to the data being used in the respective case. They will also do research on methods to integrate legal regulations such as data protection or medical law into the AI-models in a reasonable way.

To demonstrate what the new methods are capable of achieving, the researchers intend to apply their processes in a highly relevant field of medicine – cancer research. The goal is to optimize systems of artificial intelligence for therapy using pre-programmed knowledge.

The CZS Initiative for Model-Based AI began its work in the spring 2023. The project members include twelve principal investigators from the fields of mathematics, computer science, physics, and medicine. The Institute of Computer Engineering of Heidelberg University is also involved besides the IWR. A junior professorship in model-based AI will also be set up for a more in-depth exploration of the basic questions of research in this field.

The Carl Zeiss Foundation is funding the project under the program “CZS Durchbrüche”. The foundation thereby supports top international research in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia. These funds are intended to further develop and expand proven research strengths both nationally and internationally.