KAUST Research Conference Digital Health 2020

Computational Bioscience Research Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is pleased to announce the KAUST Research Conference on Digital Health 2020. To see the agenda of the conference Digital Health 2020.

The concept of Digital Health (DH) gained traction as a result of a number of complementary advancements in computational sciences, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data analytics, OMICS fields and biomedical technologies with the common aim of improving the health of individuals as well as societal well-being.

DH holds the promise to completely revolutionize the entire healthcare system. This is of fundamental importance when looking at challenges such as shortage of doctors, pressed resources and rising demand from an ageing population in the developed world and lack of developed infrastructure in developing countries. Virtual clinics, wearable devices, smart inhalers for remote monitoring, the use of artificial intelligence to interpret CT and MRI scans, robotic surgery are just some examples of how technology can transform the way patients consult and communicate with doctors and receive better health services through lower cost. Improved access aims to ensure that the patients go to the right place with minimum delay and are prioritized according to their conditions and diagnoses. 

Advances in healthcare are very high on the list of national priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as stated in the Vision 2030 policy document. In the quest to achieve the many policy objectives, the DH concept can be applied across multiple domains, particularly as expanding the variety of digital services is the main stated objective of the Vision 2030.

One of the primary objectives of work at CBRC is the convergence of many aspects of its research that is relevant to DH, such as AI, Big Data analytics, OMICS, systems biology etc. with their applications in medicine, biomedicine, and human health. These activities are complemented through strategic partnerships with clinical, medical, and governmental research institutes in the Kingdom, and are designed to contribute to the development of DH in the Kingdom.

I strongly believe that the proposed Conference will provide a unique platform for active exchange of ideas and experiences between researchers in the domain, medical practitioners and other stakeholders in the public health domain. 

On behalf of the Organizing and Program Committees, I would like to welcome all of the participants. As always, I look forward to a productive exchange of ideas and hope that you will enjoy your stay at KAUST and Saudi Arabia.

Takashi Gojobori, Acting CBRC Director and Conference Chair​​